Showing papers in "European Psychologist in 2013"

Psychological resilience: A review and critique of definitions, concepts, and theory.

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to review and critique the variety of definitions, concepts, and theories of psychological resilience. To this end, the narrative is divided into three main sections. The first considers how resilience has been defined in the psychology research literature. Despite the construct being operationalized in a variety of ways, most definitions are based around two core concepts: adversity and positive adaptation. A substantial body of evidence suggests that resilience is required in response to different adversities, ranging from ongoing daily hassles to major life events, and that positive adaptation must be conceptually appropriate to the adversity examined in terms of the domains assessed and the stringency of criteria used. The second section examines the conceptualization of resilience as either a trait or a process, and explores how it is distinct from a number of related terms. Resilience is conceptualized as the interactive influence of psychological characteristics within the context of the stress process. The final section reviews the theories of resilience and critically examines one theory in particular that is commonly cited in the resilience literature. Future theories in this area should take into account the multiple demands individuals encounter, the meta-cognitive and -emotive processes that affect the resilience-stress relationship, and the conceptual distinction between resilience and coping. The review concludes with implications for policy, practice, and research including the need to carefully manage individuals’ immediate environment, and to develop the protective and promotive factors that individuals can proactively use to build resilience.

Development of school engagement in association with academic success and well-being in varying social contexts: A review of empirical research.

Abstract: This review examines the development of students’ engagement with school and how it may contribute to future academic success and individual well-being in different social contexts. The review discusses the two main approaches of school engagement research: one examines students’ behavioral, cognitive, and affective engagement (North American approach), while the other examines study-related vigor, absorption, and dedication (European approach). This research shows that a high level of school engagement is positively associated with academic success, and negatively associated with students’ ill-being, such as depressive symptoms and burnout. High engagement with school also fosters several aspects of students’ well-being, such as positive emotions and life satisfaction. Moreover, several contextual factors, including parental affect, teachers’ support, and a mastery-oriented atmosphere in the classroom, promote students’ engagement with school.

Procrastination: When good things don’t come to those who wait.

Abstract: Procrastination is a well-known phenomenon that often entails negative outcome with regard to performance and subjective well-being. In an attempt to understand the (alarming) character of procrastination, a large body of research on the causes, correlates, and consequences of procrastination has been accumulating over the last 40 years. The aim of this paper is to provide a systematic characterization of the trends in procrastination research and to suggest future directions for research and practice. The systematic characterization comprises a comparison of procrastination to functional forms of delay (referred to as strategic delay) and a presentation of the theoretical approaches to explaining procrastination. The future directions suggested pertain to the development of a differentiated understanding of procrastination and of integral interventions.

Multicultural education and inter-ethnic attitudes: An intergroup perspective.

Abstract: Despite the recent retreat of multiculturalism in various European countries, forms of multicultural education are favored and practiced in many of these countries. These educational practices are considered desirable and necessary for the development of positive inter-ethnic relations. After considering conceptions of multicultural education, we discuss multilevel quantitative research on perceived multicultural education and its effects on inter-ethnic attitudes among early adolescents in the Netherlands. The positive effects of multicultural education are interpreted in terms of children’s improved cultural knowledge and understanding, and the establishment of anti-racism norms within the classroom. These two theoretical mechanisms can explain the positive impact of multicultural education on children’s inter-ethnic attitudes. The review of the research is concluded by providing directions and suggestions for future research.

School Success and School Engagement of Immigrant Children and Adolescents: A Risk and Resilience Developmental Perspective

Abstract: Academic achievement in immigrant children and adolescents is an indicator of current and future adaptive success. Since the future of immigrant youths is inextricably linked to that of the receiving society, the success of their trajectory through school becomes a high stakes issue both for the individual and society. The present article focuses on school success in immigrant children and adolescents, and the role of school engagement in accounting for individual and group differences in academic achievement from the perspective of a multilevel integrative model of immigrant youths’ adaptation (Motti-Stefanidi, Berry, Chryssochoou, Sam, & Phinney, 2012). Drawing on this conceptual framework, school success is examined in developmental and acculturative context, taking into account multiple levels of analysis. Findings suggest that for both immigrant and nonimmigrant youths the relationship between school engagement and school success is bidirectional, each influencing over time the other. Evidence regard...

Exposure to Political Violence and Political Extremism

Abstract: Exposure to political violence can lead to various political and psychological outcomes Using the protracted Israeli-Palestinian conflict as a natural laboratory, we explore the way in which exposure to conflict violence leads to changes in citizens’ political attitudes and behavior, offering a model for a stress-based process of political extremism This model encapsulates three basic components in a causal chain leading to political extremism: exposure to political violence, psychological distress, and enhanced perceptions of threat We find that prolonged exposure to political violence increases psychological distress, which in turn evokes stronger perceptions of threat that foment political attitudes eschewing compromise and favoring militarism This causal chain fuels a destructive cycle of violence that is hard to break Understanding these psychological and political consequences of exposure to political violence can help to shed light on the barriers that too often stymie peacemaking efforts and

Using personal cell phones for ecological momentary assessment: An overview of current developments

Abstract: Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) is a way of collecting data in people’s natural environments in real time and has become very popular in social and health sciences. The emergence of personal digital assistants has led to more complex and sophisticated EMA protocols but has also highlighted some important drawbacks. Modern cell phones combine the functionalities of advanced communication systems with those of a handheld computer and offer various additional features to capture and record sound, pictures, locations, and movements. Moreover, most people own a cell phone, are familiar with the different functions, and always carry it with them. This paper describes ways in which cell phones have been used for data collection purposes in the field of social sciences. This includes automated data capture techniques, for example, geolocation for the study of mobility patterns and the use of external sensors for remote health-monitoring research. The paper also describes cell phones as efficient and user-fr...

The Implementation and Effectiveness of the KiVa Antibullying Program in Finland

Abstract: Bullying is a widespread problem in schools and communities around the world, and nationwide initiatives to prevent and reduce it have begun to emerge in European countries. In Finland, the effects of the national antibullying program, KiVa, have been evaluated first in a randomized controlled trial (2007–2009) and then during nationwide rollout across schools (since 2009). The KiVa program has been found to reduce bullying and victimization, while it increases empathy toward victimized peers and self-efficacy to defend them. Moreover, the program has produced reductions in reinforcement of the bullies’ behavior. Finally, KiVa has been found to increase school liking and school motivation, whereas it has led to significant reductions in anxiety, depression, and negative peer perceptions among children and youth. The uptake of the program by Finnish schools has been remarkable, as 90% of the comprehensive schools are at present implementing KiVa. The paper describes the development of the KiVa program, eva...

Attachment the Italian way : In search of specific patterns of infant and adult attachments in Italian typical and atypical samples

Abstract: In the present meta-analysis 627 Strange Situation Procedures (SSP; Ainsworth, Blehar, Waters, & Wall, 1978) from 17 Italian infant attachment studies and 2,258 Adult Attachment Interviews (AAI; Main, Kaplan, & Cassidy, 1985) from 50 Italian adult attachment studies were included. All studies were published between 1990 and 2009. Our aim was to test the universality hypothesis of attachment theory in this Italian database. Results indicated that the majority of nonclinical Italian infants were classified as securely attached (53%); similarly, the majority of nonclinical Italian adults were secure (60%). Although cross-cultural similarities provide evidence for the universality hypothesis of attachment theory, our meta- analysis revealed also interesting cultural specificities. First, nonclinical Italian infants' distribution showed an overrepresentation of avoidant attachments com- pared to the normative distribution. Second, the underrepresentation of unresolved loss among Italian nonclinical adults was noteworthy.

Immigrant Youth in Germany

Abstract: This paper reviews research on young migrants in Germany. Particular attention is given to the question of how Germany’s history of migration, immigration policies, and public attitude toward migrants influence the transcultural adaptation of children and adolescents from different ethnic backgrounds. We combine past research with the results of new empirical studies in order to shed light on migrants’ psychological and sociocultural adaptation. Studies comparing young migrants and their German peers in terms of psychological well-being, life satisfaction, and mental health outcome suggest higher rates of emotional and behavioral problems among migrants of most age groups. With regard to adolescent populations between the ages of 14 and 17 years, however, the existence of differences between migrants and natives appears to be less clear. Research has also yielded inconsistent findings regarding the time trajectory of transcultural adaptation among adolescents. The coincidence of acculturation and age-rela...

The political psychology of protest: Sacrificing for a cause

Abstract: We live in contentious times. Why are people prepared to sacrifice wealth, a pleasant and carefree life, or sometimes even their lives for a common cause? This question brings us to the individual level of analysis, and therefore to political psychology. People live in a perceived world. Indeed, this is what a political psychology of protest is about – trying to understand why people who are seemingly in the same socio-political configuration respond so differently. I will illustrate this point with an overview of state-of-the-art theoretical approaches and up-to-date empirical evidence. Discussed are grievances, efficacy/cynicism, identification, emotions, and social embeddedness. Most recent approaches combine these concepts into one model comprising two routes: An efficacy route steered by social embeddedness and a grievances route steered by cynicism. The working of the model is illustrated by empirical evidence from contemporary events such as migrants, collective action, demonstrating diasporas, and...

The Integrative Role of Sport in Multicultural Societies

Abstract: Sport participation has been recognized as an important socializing agent; the sport environment is considered a suitable setting for the development of social and moral values, particularly for youth. Therefore, it can be argued that participation in sport may reinforce understanding and respect of cultural diversity and foster the integration of migrants. In this paper, we review the existing literature on the integrative role of sport among individuals and groups with differing cultural backgrounds. The existing findings support the role sport may have in promoting integration; nonetheless, some controversy exists. On the one side, there is evidence suggesting that sport can promote interaction among people from different cultures, while also helping individuals maintain ties with their own cultural groups, thus facilitating the maintenance of their cultural heritage. On the other side, there are also indications that sport participation may accentuate cultural differences, thus evoking tensions. There...

Facing Cultural Diversity Anti-Immigrant Attitudes in Europe

Abstract: Negative attitudes toward immigrants are widespread in Western societies, and research has repeatedly attempted to explain such attitudes with the presence of cultural diversity arising from a high number of immigrants. Highlighting how political psychology integrates individual and contextual levels of explanation, the present paper aims to overview research that reaches beyond this narrow focus of diversity (i.e., immigrant proportion) to understand anti-immigrant attitudes in culturally diverse societies. First, we present research that reconciles two opposing intergroup mechanisms - contact and threat - both triggered by a high proportion of immigrants. Second, emphasis is placed on ideological climates, a novel contextual antecedent of anti-immigrant attitudes understood as collectively shared norms and values permeating all spheres of social life. Ideological climates influence anti- immigrant attitudes beyond individual characteristics and further shape individuals' responses to cultural diversity. Third, the paper extends existing research on a Person · Context interaction approach to anti-immigrant attitudes and suggests how cultural diversity and ideological climates differentially impact the link between individual-level ideologies and anti-immigrant attitudes. The growing field of multilevel research on anti-immigrant attitudes is overviewed and empirical illustrations of our recent research in Switzerland are provided. We conclude by discussing the benefits and further challenges of integrating individual and contextual antecedents in political psychology and beyond.

Contextualizing religious acculturation: Cross-cultural perspectives on Muslim minorities in Western Europe

Abstract: Given the growing presence of Islam in Europe, we developed a research program articulating minority perspectives on acculturation and religion among self-identified Muslims across Europe. Integrating different cross-cultural perspectives on religious acculturation, we ask how acculturation contexts and processes affect the religiosity of Muslims (a) across heritage and mainstream cultures, (b) across different acculturating groups, and (c) across different receiving societies. Based on various large-scale datasets, collected among (young) Muslim populations from different ethnic backgrounds in four European countries, we conclude that religious decline in European societies is largely absent. A comparison across cultures of origin and destination suggests the reaffirmation of religion in acculturating youth, who are more strongly identified with their religion than comparison groups in both mainstream and heritage cultures. Cross-ethnic comparisons indicate that religious socialization is most effective ...

Result-Blind Peer Reviews and Editorial Decisions A Missing Pillar of Scientific Culture

Abstract: The present article suggests a possible way to reduce the file drawer problem in scientific research (Rosenthal, 1978, 1979), that is, the tendency for ''nonsignificant'' results to remain hidden in scientists' file drawers because both authors and journals strongly prefer statistically significant results We argue that peer-reviewed journals based on the principle of rigorous evaluation of research proposals before results are known would address this problem successfully Even a single journal adopting a result-blind evaluation policy would remedy the persisting problem of publication bias more efficiently than other tools and techniques suggested so far We also propose an ideal editorial policy for such a journal and discuss pragmatic implications and potential problems associated with this policy Moreover, we argue that such a journal would be a valuable addition to the scientific publication outlets, because it supports a scientific culture encouraging the publication of well-designed and technically sound empirical research irrespective of the results obtained Finally, we argue that such a journal would be attractive for scientists, publishers, and research agencies

Turning the analytic gaze on "Us" : the role of authorities in the alienation of minorities

Abstract: What leads to the alienation and political (dis)engagement of minority groups is a critical question for political psychologists. Recently, research has focused attention on one particular minority group – Muslims in the West – and on what promotes “anti-Western” attitudes and behavior. Typically, the research focus is on factors internal to the individuals or the minority communities concerned. However, we argue this overlooks the ways in which the perspective and practices of the majority group affect minority group members’ understandings of who they are and how they stand in relation to the majority. In this paper we examine the social-psychological processes through which authorities’ surveillance and intervention affects minority group members’ sense of themselves, their relationship to authorities and the wider community. In doing so, we discuss a number of hitherto neglected psychological processes that may contribute to alienation-namely, processes of misrecognition, disrespect, and humiliation. ...

Intergenerational Family Relations in Luxembourg Family Values and Intergenerational Solidarity in Portuguese Immigrant and Luxembourgish Families

Abstract: According to the intergenerational solidarity model, family members who share similar values about family obligations should have a closer relationship and support each other more than families with a lower value consensus. The present study first describes similarities and differences between two family generations (mothers and daughters) with respect to their adherence to family values and, second, examines patterns of relations between intergenerational consensus on family values, affectual solidarity, and functional solidarity in a sample of 51 mother-daughter dyads comprising N = 102 participants from Luxembourgish and Portuguese immigrant families living in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Results showed a small generation gap in values of hierarchical gender roles, but an acculturation gap was found in Portuguese mother-daughter dyads regarding obligations toward the family. A higher mother-daughter value consensus was related to higher affectual solidarity of daughters toward their mothers but not v...

Multiculturalism and Immigration in Post-Soviet Russia

Abstract: This paper addresses some social and psychological issues concerning multiculturalism and immigration in post-Soviet Russia, which is one of the most multicultural societies in the world. The paper begins by describing the current cultural and immigrant diversity in Russia, and then provides a short description of Russian immigrants and the social and psychological problems that immigrants and the larger society face. We present the conceptual framework and findings from empirical studies that examine the reciprocal acculturation and intercultural relations between migrants and members of the larger society. We analyze these studies with respect to their relevance to three hypotheses that have been advanced for examining intercultural relations: the multiculturalism hypothesis; the integration hypothesis; and contact hypothesis. Findings of the studies showed that measures of security, identity, perceived threat/discrimination have a significant relationship with ethnic tolerance, mutual attitudes, accult...

Theories of Socio-Political Change and the Dynamics of Sub-Group Versus Superordinate Interests

Abstract: Social change is a core topic within political and social psychology. In light of recent world-wide protest movements directed at social change it is timely to reflect on where current theory and research on socio-political change stands, what the unresolved issues are, and what the necessary next steps. In this paper, three dominant theoretical models are critically evaluated – social identity theory, social dominance theory, and system justification theory – and points of similarity and divergence are highlighted. In addition, it is argued that inclusion of different levels of self-categorization and associated self-interest in the theories has the potential to provide a more “integrated” account of the psychological processes that underpin both system stability and system change.

Interventions Supporting Children's Mathematics School Success A Meta-Analytic Review

Abstract: In today’s society, mathematics is one of the most important competencies imparted in school. To improve children’s mathematical skills, existing interventions and trainings in mathematical learning address different proficiency levels and age groups, take place in different settings, can focus on a single task or a set of different tasks, be applied for different durations, and address different types of numerical content. However, when such trainings are evaluated, this often happens only insufficiently. In this review, we derive and apply four evaluation criteria in a meta-analysis of mathematical intervention literature: (i) evaluation with the actual target group, (ii) evaluation in comparison to a performance-matched control group, (iii) evaluation in comparison to a comparable alternative intervention, and (iv) separate evaluation of subcomponents in the case of multi-componential approaches. Based on these criteria, we review current intervention approaches, paying particular attention to how they...

Placing dispositional forgiveness within theories of adult personality development

Abstract: Compared to the longstanding literature on the process of forgiveness or state forgiveness, relatively less research has focused on how to develop a dispositional tendency to forgive others, known as forgivingness. This holds particularly true with respect to adulthood, which has been typically viewed as a period of personality consistency rather than change. In the current paper, we begin by discussing forgivingness and its potential for promoting adult well-being. Next, we describe three literatures that help us understand possible influences on forgivingness development in adulthood, which focus on (a) how adults respond to their changing societal roles, (b) the choices they make with respect to social and emotional regulation, and (c) their relationship attachment models. Finally, we conclude by presenting important questions for the future research on this personality trait.

Impairments in Mental Model Construction and Benefits of Defocused Attention Distinctive Facets of Subclinical Depression

Abstract: In this article, we examine the hypothesis that cognitive deficits in subclinical depression become especially evident in tasks that require the integration of piecemeal information into more coherent mental representations, such as mental models. It is argued that in states of subclinical depression, attempts at integrative thinking or problem solving are limited by cognitive exhaustion which prevents the use of effective cognitive strategies. This basic argument is illustrated by paradigms addressing the construction of mental models based on sentiment or linear order information. It is shown that subclinical depression is associated with a distinct deficit in integrative reasoning, but no deficits in non-integrative processing such as initial information sampling or memory retrieval. Recent evidence of a neurophysiological correlate of this specific deficit in subclinical depression is discussed in terms of the moderating role of frontal alpha asymmetry, and in terms of a specific pattern of parietal brain activation during processing of mental models. Also, a distinctive, not deficit-related, facet of depressed cognitive symptoms is proposed, indicating a possible adaptive value of defocused attention in subclinically depressed mood. This defocused attention approach is supported by experimental and eyetracking research, and by recent theoretical models and empirical evidence showing performance benefits in depression for some cognitive and creative tasks.

Facilitating lifelong learning in school-age learners: Programs and recommendations.

Abstract: Lifelong Learning (LLL) has been proclaimed a Europe-wide strategy as societies are faced with numerous changes making continuous development indispensable. Currently, LLL is often seen primarily as a topic for continuing education. However, schools play an essential role in laying the cornerstone for successful LLL: There is robust knowledge that persistent motivation to learn as well as corresponding learning skills are essential for LLL and that both could be influenced best during childhood and adolescence. Therefore, facilitating LLL is an important aspect of schools’ success. However, results from international studies show deficits for many students in LLL competencies. Consequently, a need for more systematic promotion of LLL in schools was identified. Based on this, the aim of this paper is to give an overview on the theoretical basis for promoting LLL in schools from the perspective of educational psychology. Derived from this, the necessity of enhancing LLL competencies in school is made obviou...

European Psychologist Moves Forward

Abstract: We have had a productive year at the editorial offices of the European Psychologist. Since our last editorial (Grob & Lavallee, 2011), outlining the new direction and scope of the journal, we have made a lot of progress in changing direction from mostly empirical articles to nearly exclusively integrative papers. Starting with this first issue of 2013, expect to see reviews and synthesizing articles on cutting-edge topics, current directions in the field, and directions for the broad base of psychologists in both research and practice. European Psychologist is moving into the future as a showcase of relevant and intriguing research from across Europe as well as from further afield. In the current issue, we present challenging ideas and topics that you may find relevant to your own research, or simply of interest to you or your students. For example, we have an article by researchers from Switzerland and The Netherlands on the use of cell phones in data collection (Kuntsche & Labhart, 2013) that brings us up to speed on how to apply this near-universal technology to research. As social science modernizes, and paper and pencil questionnaires fade toward obsolescence, we are challenged to adapt and change our methods, and to gain many advantages in so doing. Ecological momentary assessment (i.e., sampling behavior in real time and in naturalistic environments) in general, and mobile phone data collection in particular, allows for data collection in real time, can provide many more data points and much more accuracy than standard methods, and can be used to assess unique aspects of human behavior previously unexplored, such as geographic movement within a population. Kuntsche and Labhart outline past and present uses for cell phones, and provide an easy-to-use example of how it might work in practice. In addition to this new direction, we also have overviews of several different topic areas. Researchers from the UK provide a comprehensive review on resilience, a broad and important topic that spans multiple areas of psychology (Fletcher & Sarkar, 2013). We also have a review from Germany on procrastination, a very highly prevalent behavior, engaged in by the majority of people in academia and about a fourth of the general population, yet consistently unpleasant, counterproductive, and undesirable (Klingsieck, 2013). Klingsieck illuminates this fascinating and (in academia) seemingly ubiquitous phenomenon for us in light of research on personality, motivation, and clinical disorders, and differentiates it from more rational and less negative strategic delay. Colleagues from the UK and Poland elucidate cognitive aspects of subclinical depression that include potentially beneficial attentional processes (von Hecker, Sedek, & Brzezicka, 2013), adding to our knowledge of other beneficial processes associated with depressed mood, such as creativity (Verhaeghen, Joorman, & Khan, 2005). Italian and Dutch colleagues provide an indepth meta-analysis on the unique patterns of attachment found in the Italian population – the first large-scale culture-specific meta-analysis of attachment specific to Italy (Cassibba, Sette, Bakermans-Kranenburg, & van IJzendoorn, 2013). They found cultural differences indicating that avoidant attachment may be more prevalent in nonclinical Italian samples of infants and mothers, while adult unresolved loss appears to be lower than in the comparison North American population. The authors theorize that this may be due to cultural differences in parenting styles, with this meditational possibility ripe for further research. In one of our few remaining empirical articles to be published in European Psychologist, Albert, Ferring, and Michels (2013) address intergenerational family values in native and migrant families in Luxembourg. As borders are increasingly permeated, and once homogeneous enclaves within Europe become more heterogeneous and diverse, an understanding of migrants and the culture and values they bring to new countries is critical. This particular study enriches our understanding of the complex processes at work in immigrant families and the acculturationgapbetweengenerations in family values related to obligations toward the family. In the coming months, we will present synthesizing articles on topics addressing educational outcomes, multiculturalism in Europe, environmental conservation, forgiveness, and the impact of violent media on behavior.

The Transcend Method in Conflict Mediation Across Levels

Abstract: The TRANSCEND approach to peace is inspired by the medical approach to health, based on Diagnosis-Prognosis-Therapy. The method is dialogues with all parties and parties inside parties, high up, low down and side wards, to map the conflict in terms of parties and their goals, to explore the legitimacy of the goals using law, human right and basic needs, and then to go for the overarching bridge between legitimate goals to some new reality accommodating all parties in the sense that they find that outcome preferable to the alternatives: imposing one party-goal over the others (‘winning’), a bland compromise, or just doing nothing.