Showing papers in "Frontiers in Psychology in 2023"
TL;DR: In this article , the significance of varied leadership styles in teaching to sustain academic excellence at the secondary school level has been highlighted, where data was collected through the scale of diverse leadership styles (strategic, cultural, instructional leaderships and sustaining academic excellence) from 103 secondary schools in Pakistan.
Abstract: Educational leadership is a multifaceted area of study. Unquestionably, leadership is the most deliberate field within the social sciences. Still, administrators have evaded the notions of leadership concept like a haunting tune. This study has focused particularly on the significance of varied leadership styles in teaching to sustain academic excellence at the secondary school level. The quantitative research method was used. Data was collected through the scale of diverse leadership styles (strategic, cultural, instructional leaderships and sustaining academic excellence) from 103 secondary schools in Punjab, Pakistan. The sample consisted of 540 teachers who were enacting as teachers presently. Based on research objectives and questions, two hypotheses were formed and tested using mean analysis to determine the average ranking of leadership styles. Pearson correlation to know the statistically significant relationship between each leadership styles, and overall scales with sustaining academic excellence. The results revealed that most teachers give preference strategic Leadership, then instructional leadership, and finally cultural leadership in their teaching to sustain academic excellence. Moreover, the findings also indicated that a statistically strong positive relationship among diverse leadership styles in teaching and sustaining academic excellence with the value (r = 0.752). Based on the findings, it has been concluded that when teachers increase their effort in the use of strategic, instructional, and cultural leadership styles, academic excellence may also sustain and improve.
11 citations
TL;DR: In this paper , an extended theory of planned behavior (TPB) by adding the variables of "risk perception" (RP) and "sense of belonging to place" (SBP) was used as the theoretical framework of the research.
Abstract: Natural forests are the habitat of many plant and animal species and are the main source of genetic reserves. In addition to preserving biodiversity, forests play an important role in the livelihood and income of many indigenous communities. But, in the last few decades, due to the lack of proper management of the beneficiaries, they have been exposed to destruction, so that their protection requires the participation of all members of the society, especially the local people. Therefore, the main goal of this research was to discover the determinant factors on the intention of local communities to protect forests in Iran. An extended theory of planned behavior (TPB) by adding the variables of “risk perception” (RP) and “sense of belonging to place” (SBP) was used as the theoretical framework of the research. This research was done using the questionnaire survey method and with the help of structural equation modeling (SEM). The statistical population of this study included all the rural communities living in the Arasbaran forests (located in the northwest of Iran). The research findings indicated that the original TPB explains 66.9% of the variance of the behavioral intentions of locals toward forest protection. The three main constructs of the original TPB included attitude, perceived behavioral control (PBC) and subjective norms (SN), all of which had positive effects on the intention of local communities. Most importantly, the extended TPB by including RP and SBP increases the ability of the model to explain the intentions of local communities to forest protection by 11.8%. In this study, the variable of RP was identified as the most important factor, so it is suggested to the policy-makers of this field to increase the RP of local communities in relation to forest destruction using communication media. It is also suggested to promote safe behaviors in these natural areas through developing forest protection organizations and properly training locals on the protection of forest areas.
8 citations
TL;DR: In this paper , a study was conducted with the general aim of explaining the ranchers' behavior of rangeland conservation in western Iran and the results showed that ranchers have used different behaviors to protect rangelands and egoistic behaviors are the main cause of the destruction of this natural habitat.
Abstract: Rangeland are one of the most important natural habitats for the protection of living and non-living organisms. Degradation of rangeland is one of the biggest threats to biodiversity loss. Ranchers’, as the most important key stakeholders who have a direct relationship with rangelands, have put a lot of pressure on the rangeland sector in recent years, so that this natural habitat has been destroyed. Therefore, existing rangelands must be preserved to protect biodiversity. One of the most important strategies to protect rangeland is to change the behavior of ranchers to friendly and ecological behaviors in the environment. In this regard, this study was conducted with the general aim of explaining the ranchers’ behavior of rangeland conservation in western Iran. The main research tool was a questionnaire whose validity was confirmed by a panel of experts and its reliability was confirmed by Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. In this study, value-belief-norm (VBN) was used to identify research variables. The results showed that ranchers have used different behaviors to protect rangelands and egoistic behaviors are the main cause of the destruction of this natural habitat. In addition, the results of this study showed that the framework used was an efficient theory because it explains 53.9% of rangeland conservation behavior. Finally, in this study, based on the research findings, applied policies for the protection of natural rangelands were presented so that in addition to rangeland conservation, biodiversity can also be preserved.
8 citations
TL;DR: In this article , the authors demonstrate a correlation between structured feedback and three types of engagement in an online class: cognitive, behavioral, and emotional engagement, which is used at the end of each lesson to express what they know, what they want to know, and what they learned.
Abstract: Given the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, online classes have received special attention worldwide. Since teachers have a lasting effect on the students, the teacher–student relationship is a pivotal factor in language learning classes. Students will not be engaged in class activities if they are not sufficiently challenged by them or if they do not find them interesting, especially in online classes. From this point of view, motivating, engaging, and testing techniques in online classes are highly important. The present study attempts to demonstrate a correlation between structured feedback and three types of engagement in an online class: cognitive, behavioral, and emotional engagement. The structured feedback, which is used at the end of each lesson lets the students express what they know, what they want to know, and what they learned. The sample of the study consists of 114 EFL third-year college students. The study's findings reveal positive and significant correlations between the three types of engagement; cognitive, behavioral, and emotional, and the use of structured feedback in online classes. In a nutshell, some academic implications and recommendations are provided.
8 citations
TL;DR: In this article , the authors conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis according to PRISMA guidelines to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health among frontline healthcare workers.
Abstract: Background As some countries announced to remove Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) border, it indicates that the COVID-19 may have entered its terminal stage. In this COVID-19 pandemic, the mental health of frontline healthcare workers (HCWs) experienced unprecedented challenges. However, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health among frontline HCWs lacks a high-quality and long-term systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis according to PRISMA guidelines. The system searches EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, ScienceNet, and ERIC. Analyze the mental health problems of frontline HCWs in different regions and periods, including insomnia, stress, anxiety and depression. This study was registered in PROSPERO under the number CRD42021253821. Results A total of 19 studies on the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on mental health among frontline HCWs were included in this study. The overall prevalence of insomnia was 42.9% (95% CI, 33.9–51.9%, I2 = 99.0%) extracted from data from 14 cross-sectional studies (n = 10 127), 1 cohort study (n = 4,804), and 1 randomized controlled trial (RCT; n = 482) in 10 countries. The overall prevalence of stress was 53.0% (95% CI, 41.1–64.9%, I2 = 78.3%) extracted from data from nine cross-sectional studies (n = 5,494) and 1 RCT study (n = 482) from eight countries. The overall prevalence of anxiety and depression was 43.0% (95% CI, 33.8–52.3%, I2 = 99.0%) and 44.6% (95% CI, 36.1–53.1%, I2 = 99.0%) extracted from data from 17 cross-sectional studies (n = 11,727), one cohort study (n = 4,804), and one RCT study (n = 482) from 12 countries. The prevalence of stress and depression was higher in 2020, while the prevalence of insomnia and anxiety was higher in 2021. The prevalence of mental health problems among physicians was higher than that of other frontline HCWs. The prevalence of mental health problems among frontline HCWs is higher in South America and lower in North America. Conclusions This systematic review and meta-analysis showed that the COVID-19 pandemic have significant effects on mental health among frontline HCWs. The overall prevalence of insomnia, stress, anxiety and depression among frontline HCWs is high. Therefore, the health policy-makers should pay attention to and respond to the mental health problems of frontline HCWs in the context of public health emergencies. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/.
6 citations
TL;DR: Wang et al. as mentioned in this paper investigated the impact of organizational citizenship behavior and patriotism on employee performance, shifting the focus of the healthcare industry's employee performance conversation to how it can be sustained.
Abstract: Employee performance during health crises is currently one of the most alarming global concerns. Owing to its significance, scholars assessed factors that improve such performance. However, such improvements in performance require public health employees’ discretionary behavior. We investigate the impact of organizational citizenship behavior and patriotism on employee performance, shifting the focus of the healthcare industry’s employee performance conversation to how it can be sustained. We used cross-section data from 541 Chinese public health employees who made up the final sample in this study, which has been shown to be appropriate for investigations utilizing a quantitative method. The results of our empirical analysis demonstrate that organizational citizenship behavior positively contributes to sustaining employee performance. We found the same to be true about the positive mediating effect of patriotism on the aforementioned relationship. The findings offer insights into how a country’s performance at both local and international levels propels and sustains the job performance of its citizenry. Thus, governments should be more efficient and ensure they maintain a robust institutional environment. This study provides theoretical and empirical evidence based on a research survey of the roles of organizational citizenship behavior and patriotism that sustain employee performance in China’s public health sector, in particular during health crises.
5 citations
TL;DR: The authors explored the effects of human-like virtual influencers (HVIs) and sponsorship disclosure on message credibility perception and message attitudes and found that HVI endorsements produce greater perception of message credibility and message attitude than AVI endorsements, but the superior effect of HVIs (vs. AVIs) vanishes when sponsorship is disclosed.
Abstract: Virtual influencers are gaining prominence as a way of attracting people’s attention on social media, but limited research has been conducted on this subject. In this research, we explore the effects of human-like virtual influencers (HVIs) vs. anime-like virtual influencers (AVIs) and sponsorship disclosure on message credibility perception and message attitudes. Conducted with a 2 (virtual influencer type: HVI vs. AVI) x 2 (sponsorship disclosure: absent vs. present) between-subjects experiment, our findings suggest that HVI endorsements produce greater perception of message credibility and message attitudes than AVI endorsements, but the superior effect of HVIs (vs. AVIs) vanishes when sponsorship is disclosed. The results also show that message credibility plays a significant mediating role only when sponsorship is not disclosed. We believe our research offers interesting insights to both researchers and practitioners on the topic of virtual influencers.
5 citations
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors examined the influence of personality traits and environmental and situational factors on the development of entrepreneurial intention among young students in Yemen and found that personality traits of the need for achievement and locus of control positively correlate with entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE) and entrepreneurial intention.
Abstract: While entrepreneurship is believed to play a crucial role in economic growth and job creation in various parts of the world, particularly in developed countries, the key factors enhancing entrepreneurship behavior and intention in developing countries still need to be discovered. Therefore, this study examines the influence of personality traits and environmental and situational factors on the development of entrepreneurial intention among young students in Yemen. Data were collected through a survey responded to by 487 final-year university students from two universities (public and private) in Yemen. The study’s hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling (SEM). The study reveals that personality traits of the need for achievement (nAch) and locus of control (LoC) positively correlate with entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE) and entrepreneurial intention. Instrumental readiness positively correlates with ESE but not with entrepreneurial intent. The situational factors show a positive association with entrepreneurial intention but not ESE and a positive relationship between ESE and entrepreneurial intention. Furthermore, the study’s findings show that ESE partially mediates the relationship between the nAch, LoC, instrumental readiness, and entrepreneurial intention. However, ESE did not mediate the relationship between situational factors and entrepreneurial intention. The study suggests that situational factors can influence entrepreneurial intention among Yemeni students and provide several recommendations to academicians and policymakers.
4 citations
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors highlighted the need for further research in psychological transactions, reciprocity principles, exchange relations, and the impact of various factors on the exchange process in social exchange theory.
Abstract: Social exchange theory (SET) is one of the most influential theories in social sciences, which has implications across various fields. Despite its usefulness being a typical social transaction, there is a need to look at it from the lens of psychological transactions to further its evolution and to identify future directions. After generally reviewing 3,649 articles from the Social Science Citation Index and Scopus, a total of 46 articles were selected for final review using a comprehensive systematic review approach. We have highlighted the need for further research in psychological transactions, reciprocity principles, exchange relations, and the impact of various factors on the exchange process. Among other exchange rules (social, economic, and psychological) and transactions (social, economic, and psychological), this research provides an elevation platform for the less explored exchange rules in psychological transactions. Among other theories in the social sciences, social exchange theory is a theory that shadows many other theories under its umbrella.
4 citations
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors examined the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and stress among remote learning students during the COVID-19 pandemic via a meta-analysis and found that the prevalence among students in higher education was significantly higher than that of students in elementary education, while an increasing number of medical students and students in emergency remote learning context suffered from mental stress than their nonmedical and traditional distance learning counterparts.
Abstract: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has influenced all aspects significantly, and an estimated 1.5 billion students across the globe have been forced to keep up with online courses at home. Many recent empirical studies reported the prevalence of mental health problems among students caused by remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, but a few studies aggregated these results. Therefore, to strengthen statistical power, the article aimed to examine the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and stress among remote learning students during the COVID-19 pandemic via a meta-analysis. A total of 36 original articles have been selected from five academic databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, EBSCO, and Google Scholar, covering 78,674 participants in 19 nations, and yielding 60 effect sizes (22 for anxiety, 17 for depression, and 21 for stress) based on the random effects model via Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) software. The results showed that the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and stress among remote learning students during the COVID-19 pandemic was as high as 58, 50, and 71%, respectively. Besides, the moderator analysis found that (1) the prevalence of anxiety and depression among students in higher education was significantly higher than that of students in elementary education. (2) an increasing number of medical students and students in emergency remote learning context suffered from mental stress than their non-medical and traditional distance learning counterparts. Thus, the COVID-19 pandemic triggers concerns related to physical health and mental disorders, especially for remote online learning students. The current situation should be brought to the forefront by educators to develop psychological interventions for relieving students’ anxiety, depression, and stress during the pandemic period.
4 citations
TL;DR: A review covering the psychological literature on conspiracy beliefs from 2018 to 2021 can be found in this paper , where the authors present evidence on the links between conspiracy beliefs and attitudes and behaviors considered unfavorable from the point of view of individuals and of the society at large.
Abstract: Background The number of psychological studies on conspiracy beliefs has been systematically growing for about a dozen years, but in recent years, the trend has intensified. We provided a review covering the psychological literature on conspiracy beliefs from 2018 to 2021. Halfway through this period, the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, accompanied by an explosion of movements based on conspiracy theories, intensifying researchers’ interest in this issue. Methods Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, the review systematically searched for relevant journal articles published between 2018 and 2021. A search was done on Scopus and Web of Science (only peer-reviewed journals). A study was included if it contained primary empirical data, if specific or general conspiracy belief(s) were measured and if its correlation with at least one other psychological variable was reported. All the studies were grouped for the descriptive analysis according to the methodology used, the participants’ characteristics, the continent of origin, the sample size, and the conspiracy beliefs measurement tools. Due to substantial methodological heterogeneity of the studies, narrative synthesis was performed. The five researchers were assigned specific roles at each stage of the analysis to ensure the highest quality of the research. Results Following the proposed methodology, 308 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility and 274 articles (417 studies) meeting the inclusion criteria were identified and included in the review. Almost half of the studies (49.6%) were conducted in European countries. The vast majority of the studies (85.7%) were carried out on samples of adult respondents. The research presents antecedents as well as (potential) consequences of conspiracy beliefs. We grouped the antecedents of conspiracy beliefs into six categories: cognitive (e.g., thinking style) motivational (e.g., uncertainty avoidance), personality (e.g., collective narcissism), psychopathology (e.g., Dark Triad traits), political (e.g., ideological orientation), and sociocultural factors (e.g., collectivism). Conclusion and limitations The research presents evidence on the links between conspiracy beliefs and a range of attitudes and behaviors considered unfavorable from the point of view of individuals and of the society at large. It turned out that different constructs of conspiracy thinking interact with each other. The limitations of the study are discussed in the last part of the article.
TL;DR: In this article , a 6-month follow-up study was conducted on 234 college students using the Self-Rating Depression Scale, Self-rating Anxiety Scale, and Revised Chen Internet Addiction Scale.
Abstract: Objectives Internet addiction has become an increasingly serious public health issue, putting young people at particular risk of psychological harm. This study aimed to analyze the interactions between college students’ depression, anxiety, and Internet addiction and explore how these interactions differ between men and women. Methods A 6-month follow-up study was conducted on 234 college students using the Self-Rating Depression Scale, Self-rating Anxiety Scale, and Revised Chen Internet Addiction Scale. Results Depression, anxiety, and Internet addiction were positively correlated (p < 0.01). Anxiety can predict Internet addiction and that Internet addiction can predict depression. Moreover, anxiety had a significant predictive effect on Internet addiction among men. Conclusion Anxiety predicts Internet addiction, and Internet addiction predicts depression among male college students. These findings may better inform future Internet addiction intervention strategies. Particularly, interventions may better address Internet addiction by focusing on the role of anxiety, especially among men.
TL;DR: Wang et al. as mentioned in this paper investigated the behavioral characteristics of college students' digital academic reading and explore the internal factors and external environmental factors affecting the Intention and Use behavior of digital reading.
Abstract: Background Affected by the COVID-19, many colleges have adopted online teaching. Meanwhile, the digital transformation of academic journals has shifted readers’ reading habits from traditional paper media to digital media. Digital academic reading has become the main reading method of college students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the behavioral characteristics of college students’ digital academic reading and explore the internal factors and external environmental factors affecting the Intention and Use behavior of digital academic reading. At the same time this study provide recommendations to address these influencing factors in terms of the individual, the environment and library resources. Methods Based on UTAUT2 model and digital academic reading theories, this paper constructs a digital academic reading information behavior (DARB) model of college students to examine college students’ digital academic reading behavior and intention. College students with digital academic reading behavior were recruited as research participants. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to collect representative samples from universities in Nanjing. 239 respondents participated in the questionnaire, with 189 providing valid data. Results: Effort expectancy (EE), social influence (SI), price value (PV), perceived risk (PR) and habit (BH) have a significant impact on behavioral intention (BI), and behavioral intention (BI) and habit (BH) have a significant impact on use behavior (B). However, performance expectancy (PE) and facilitating conditions (FC) have no significant influence on behavioral intention (BI). Originality/value The findings of this study will help fill the gap in previous research on the relationship between the influencing factors of digital academic reading and college students’ reading intentions and behaviors, so as to provide a basis for improving the academic reading literacy program in colleges and optimizing the current digital academic reading environment.
TL;DR: In this article , the authors present a review of the current state-of-the-art and gaps in knowledge that need to be addressed by future research, with an emphasis on the current literature.
Abstract: Global well-being (GWB) is a complex, multi-dimensional, and multi-faceted construct that can be explored from two different, but often overlapping, complementary perspectives: the subjective and the objective ones. The subjective perspective, in turn, is comprised of two dimensions: namely, the hedonic and the eudaimonic standpoints. Within the former dimension, researchers have developed the concept of subjective hedonic well-being (SHWB), whereas, within the latter, they have built the framework of psychological and social well-being (PSWB). Disabled people have poorer well-being due to their pathology and may more frequently suffer from anxiety and depressive disorders than their able-bodied counterparts. Sports participation is an essential way to cope with disability. On the other hand, compared with their able-bodied peers, athletes with disabilities and para-athletes undergo a unique series of stressors. Little is known in terms of hedonic and eudaimonic well-being and quality of life in this specific population. Here, we review the literature, with an emphasis on the current state-of-art and gaps in knowledge that need to be addressed by future research. High-quality, large-scale investigations are needed to have a better understanding of the self-perceived (hedonic) and objective (eudaimonic) well-being and quality of life of disabled people practicing sports, athletes with disabilities, and para-athletes.
TL;DR: In this article , the authors investigated teachers' views about their self-efficacy and how they improve their selfefficacy beliefs during teaching practice, and found that teachers felt self-efficient in their teaching.
Abstract: Objective The current study has the aim of investigating teachers’ views about their self-efficacy and how they improve their self-efficacy beliefs during teaching practice. Methods The study was designed in a mixed methods research design. “Teacher’s Self-Efficacy Scale,” “Personal Information Form” and “Semi-structured Interview Form” were employed in the study. The quantitative data were collected from 379 teachers in public schools in the 2021–2022 academic year, whereas the qualitative data were obtained from the top 10 participants with the highest level of self-efficacy. Results and Discussion Based on the qualitative and quantitative results of the present study, it was revealed that teachers’ self-efficacy levels were high, and they felt self-efficient in their teaching.The study is of great importance since determining teachers’ opinions about their self-efficacy beliefs and how they improve their self-efficacy beliefs in the solution of the problems they encountered during teaching practice will not only raise awareness of the importance of self-efficacy in teaching profession, but will contribute to further research and qualified teacher training.
TL;DR: In this paper , the associations between physical activity and the states of mental health with U-shaped dose-response curves were hypothesized, and the ranges of physical activity resulting in optimal effects on mental health were investigated.
Abstract: Introduction Although physical activity and exercise are generally thought to have favorable effects on mental health, excessive physical activity may have unfavorable effects. In this study, the associations between physical activity and the states of mental health with U-shaped dose–response curves were hypothesized, and the ranges of physical activity resulting in optimal effects on mental health were investigated. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 1,237 adult volunteers in 2017 and 2018. Of these volunteers, 526 participants validly answered the self-administered questionnaires asking about physical activity, depression, anxiety, resilience, insomnia vulnerability, and life events. A comparison of mental health measures by physical activity levels and quadratic equation model regressions were performed. Results No significant linear associations between physical activity levels and mental health measurements were observed; however, the U-shaped, quadratic equation models indicated a significance. The following levels of physical activity per week optimized the mental health measurements values of the participants: 6,953 MET-minutes and 25.70 h for depression, 5,277 MET-minutes and 21.60 h for state anxiety, 5,678 MET-minutes and 22.58 h for trait anxiety, 25.41 h for resilience, and 9,152 MET-minutes and 31.17 h for insomnia vulnerability. Conclusion Physical activities in the optimal range were associated with more favorable mental health measurements. Physical activities that were too much or too long and outside of the optimal range were associated with less favorable mental health measurements.
TL;DR: In this article , the authors analyzed the factors that stimulate university students' acceptance of technology and found that the perceived ease of use does not influence the behavior intention to use new technologies.
Abstract: Background All universities were faced with the challenges of e-learning when they suddenly had to switch to distance learning in March 2020 due to COVID-19 regulations. Several challenges may arise when implementing e-learning, including an insufficient budget or problems with adoption. Nevertheless, the role of digitalization is to ensure the university’s long-term sustainability. Indeed, the future of e-learning depends on future generations, which increasingly accept new technologies. Objectives This study aimed to analyze the factors that stimulate university students’ acceptance of technology. Methodology The study population comprised Romanian university students who took online courses during the COVID-19 pandemic. A questionnaire survey was employed to gather primary data. The surveys were distributed between January and February 2022. In particular, 1,875 questionnaires were received from students, who were the focus of this study (the results for teachers were presented in previous research). To process and interpret the data, the method of modeling with structural equations (SEM) was used. The data collected were processed using SPSS and AMOS. Findings The results indicate that external factors do not influence perceived usefulness. Accordingly, students consider that the perceived ease of use does not influence the behavior intention to use new technologies. Conclusion The results linked e-learning satisfaction to academic success and Romanian students who utilized e-learning during the pandemic. In addition, the results indicate that external factors do not influence perceived usefulness. Accordingly, students consider that the perceived ease of use does not influence the behavior intention to use new technologies. The results validated the basic variables of the TAM model. Implications The study presents a series of theoretical, practical, and societal implications that can guide universities in adopting sustainable development goals.
TL;DR: In this article , a study with a sample of 150 community-dwelling older adults aged 65 to 91 years measured spatial, physical, social, and cognitive activities across 30 days using a custom-built mobile sensor (uTrail) including GPS, accelerometer, and audio recording.
Abstract: Prominent theories of aging emphasize the importance of resource allocation processes as a means to maintain functional ability, well-being and quality of life. Little is known about which activities and what activity patterns actually characterize the daily lives of healthy older adults in key domains of functioning, including the spatial, physical, social, and cognitive domains. This study aims to gain a comprehensive understanding of daily activities of community-dwelling older adults over an extended period of time and across a diverse range of activity domains, and to examine associations between daily activities, health and well-being at the within- and between-person levels. It also aims to examine contextual correlates of the relations between daily activities, health, and well-being. At its core, this ambulatory assessment (AA) study with a sample of 150 community-dwelling older adults aged 65 to 91 years measured spatial, physical, social, and cognitive activities across 30 days using a custom-built mobile sensor (“uTrail”), including GPS, accelerometer, and audio recording. In addition, during the first 15 days, self-reports of daily activities, psychological correlates, contexts, and cognitive performance in an ambulatory working memory task were assessed 7 times per day using smartphones. Surrounding the ambulatory assessment period, participants completed an initial baseline assessment including a telephone survey, web-based questionnaires, and a laboratory-based cognitive and physical testing session. They also participated in an intermediate laboratory session in the laboratory at half-time of the 30-day ambulatory assessment period, and finally returned to the laboratory for a posttest assessment. In sum, this is the first study which combines multi-domain activity sensing and self-report ambulatory assessment methods to observe daily life activities as indicators of functional ability in healthy older adults unfolding over an extended period (i.e., 1 month). It offers a unique opportunity to describe and understand the diverse individual real-life functional ability profiles characterizing later life.
TL;DR: In this article , the ADC model of moral judgment integrates the theoretical insights of three major moral theories (virtue ethics, deontology, and consequentialism) into a single model, which explains how moral judgment occurs in parallel evaluation processes of three different components: the character of a person (Agent-component), their actions (Deed-component); and the consequences brought about in the situation (Consequences-component).
Abstract: Introduction Moral judgment is of critical importance in the work context because of its implicit or explicit omnipresence in a wide range of work-place practices. The moral aspects of actual behaviors, intentions, and consequences represent areas of deep preoccupation, as exemplified in current corporate social responsibility programs, yet there remain ongoing debates on the best understanding of how such aspects of morality (behaviors, intentions, and consequences) interact. The ADC Model of moral judgment integrates the theoretical insights of three major moral theories (virtue ethics, deontology, and consequentialism) into a single model, which explains how moral judgment occurs in parallel evaluation processes of three different components: the character of a person (Agent-component); their actions (Deed-component); and the consequences brought about in the situation (Consequences-component). The model offers the possibility of overcoming difficulties encountered by single or dual-component theories. Methods We designed a 2 × 2 × 2-between-subjects design vignette experiment with a Germany-wide sample of employed respondents (N = 1,349) to test this model. Results Results showed that the Deed-component affects willingness to cooperate in the work context, which is mediated via moral judgments. These effects also varied depending on the levels of the Agent- and Consequences-component. Discussion Thereby, the results exemplify the usefulness of the ADC Model in the work context by showing how the distinct components of morality affect moral judgment.
TL;DR: In this article , the authors focused on determining and analyzing university students' priorities concerning the competency categorization and roles of online teachers based on Moodle and Google classroom to validate these elements with the final aim of improving teaching and learning processes.
Abstract: The teaching and learning process is facing many unprecedented challenges that require innovative solutions in the short life of knowledge and the abrupt development of technology. Some of these challenges are the new roles of teachers who are the main constituents in the online teaching process. The main aim of this study revolved around determining and analyzing university students’ priorities concerning the competency categorization and roles of online teachers. The research was based on Moodle and Google classroom to validate the competency elements with the final aim of improving teaching and learning processes. The data were collected by using an online questionnaire that evaluated eight dimensions of competencies and roles of online teachers. The research sample consisted of 430 participants (aged between 19 and 30) from Iraq and Oman. The results obtained from these two countries were very similar as the respondents highlighted professional, pedagogical and social competencies in their teachers. It further shows that though the applications used in the two contexts were different (Google classroom with Google Meet or Moodle), it did not affect the final results gained. The results of this survey could be important for further analysis of online teaching practice and bring several important insights regarding the possibilities of online teaching.
TL;DR: In this article , the authors identify a set of transdisciplinary neuroscience-informed constructs, validated through expert consensus, which are used to standardize cognitive assessment and inform mechanism-targeted interventions in the broader field of human performance optimization.
Abstract: Introduction The ability to perform optimally under pressure is critical across many occupations, including the military, first responders, and competitive sport. Despite recognition that such performance depends on a range of cognitive factors, how common these factors are across performance domains remains unclear. The current study sought to integrate existing knowledge in the performance field in the form of a transdisciplinary expert consensus on the cognitive mechanisms that underlie performance under pressure. Methods International experts were recruited from four performance domains [(i) Defense; (ii) Competitive Sport; (iii) Civilian High-stakes; and (iv) Performance Neuroscience]. Experts rated constructs from the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) framework (and several expert-suggested constructs) across successive rounds, until all constructs reached consensus for inclusion or were eliminated. Finally, included constructs were ranked for their relative importance. Results Sixty-eight experts completed the first Delphi round, with 94% of experts retained by the end of the Delphi process. The following 10 constructs reached consensus across all four panels (in order of overall ranking): (1) Attention; (2) Cognitive Control—Performance Monitoring; (3) Arousal and Regulatory Systems—Arousal; (4) Cognitive Control—Goal Selection, Updating, Representation, and Maintenance; (5) Cognitive Control—Response Selection and Inhibition/Suppression; (6) Working memory—Flexible Updating; (7) Working memory—Active Maintenance; (8) Perception and Understanding of Self—Self-knowledge; (9) Working memory—Interference Control, and (10) Expert-suggested—Shifting. Discussion Our results identify a set of transdisciplinary neuroscience-informed constructs, validated through expert consensus. This expert consensus is critical to standardizing cognitive assessment and informing mechanism-targeted interventions in the broader field of human performance optimization.
TL;DR: Li et al. as discussed by the authors applied the multidimensional fixed-effect OLS method to explore the impact of different types of talent policies and talent policy mixes on corporate innovation, and adopts threshold regression model to detect the threshold effect of talent gathering in the framework of government-enterprise interaction.
Abstract: The talent policy is a powerful tool for the government to implement and the talent is the key resources attributed to corporate innovation. Different types of talent policy instruments need to be synergistically combined to promote corporate innovation. By using the sample of China’s listed companies during the period 2007–2020, this paper applies the multidimensional fixed-effect OLS method to explore the impact of different types of talent policies and talent policy mixes on corporate innovation, and adopts threshold regression model to detect the threshold effect of talent gathering in the framework of government-enterprise interaction. The results are shown as follows: The supply-side talent policy (STP), demand-side talent policy (DTP), and environmental-side talent policy (ETP) all positively affect corporate innovation. Talent policy mixes have a significant synergy on corporate innovation. And the effect of STP- DTP-ETP mixes is greater than that of any two types of talent policy mixes. Talent gathering has a threshold effect on the relationship between STP-DTP-ETP mixes and corporate innovation. Our study provides empirical evidence of the positive impact of different types of talent policy and their mixes on corporate innovation and enriches the literature related to talent gathering.
TL;DR: In this article , it is hypothesized that psycho-physiological drive is important to understand movement in general and non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT) specifically, and that low levels of movement are related to numerous physical and mental health problems.
Abstract: Physical activity, while less necessary for survival in modern times, is still essential for thriving in life, and low levels of movement are related to numerous physical and mental health problems. However, we poorly understand why people move on a day-to-day basis and how to promote greater energy expenditure. Recently, there has been a turn to understand automatic processes with close examination of older theories of behavior. This has co-occurred with new developments in the study of non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT). In this narrative review, it is hypothesized that psycho-physiological drive is important to understand movement in general and NEAT, specifically. Drive, in short, is a motivation state, characterized by arousal and felt tension, energizing the organism to acquire a basic need. Movement is a biological necessity, like food, water, and sleep, but varies across the lifespan and having the greatest impact before adolescence. Movement meets various criteria for a primary drive: (a) deprivation of it produces feelings of tension, such as an urge or craving, known as affectively-charged motivation states, and particularly the feelings of being antsy, restless, hyper or cooped up, (b) provision of the need quickly reduces tension - one can be satiated, and may even over-consume, (c) it can be provoked by qualities of the environment, (d) it is under homeostatic control, (e) there is an appetite (i.e., appetence) for movement but also aversion, and (f) it has a developmental time course. Evidence for drive has mainly come from children and populations with hyperkinetic disorders, such as those with anorexia nervosa, restless legs syndrome, and akathisia. It is also stimulated in conditions of deprivation, such as bed rest, quarantine, long flights, and physical restraint. It seems to be lacking in the hypokinetic disorders, such as depression and Parkinson’s. Thus, drive is associated with displeasure and negative reinforcement, subsuming it within the theory of hedonic drive, but it may fit better within new paradigms, such as the WANT model (Wants and Aversions for Neuromuscular Tasks). Recently developed measurement tools, such as the CRAVE scale, may permit the earnest investigation of movement drive, satiation, and motivation states in humans.
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors investigated the Repetition Suppression (RS) effect as a correlate of the earliest instance of mnemonic processes under conventional laboratory conditions and in a realistic virtual environment.
Abstract: Although the human brain is adapted to function within three-dimensional environments, conventional laboratory research commonly investigates cognitive mechanisms in a reductionist approach using two-dimensional stimuli. However, findings regarding mnemonic processes indicate that realistic experiences in Virtual Reality (VR) are stored in richer and more intertwined engrams than those obtained from the conventional laboratory. Our study aimed to further investigate the generalizability of laboratory findings and to differentiate whether the processes underlying memory formation differ between VR and the conventional laboratory already in early encoding stages. Therefore, we investigated the Repetition Suppression (RS) effect as a correlate of the earliest instance of mnemonic processes under conventional laboratory conditions and in a realistic virtual environment. Analyses of event-related potentials (ERPs) indicate that the ERP deflections at several electrode clusters were lower in VR compared to the PC condition. These results indicate an optimized distribution of cognitive resources in realistic contexts. The typical RS effect was replicated under both conditions at most electrode clusters for a late time window. Additionally, a specific RS effect was found in VR at anterior electrodes for a later time window, indicating more extensive encoding processes in VR compared to the laboratory. Specifically, electrotomographic results (VARETA) indicate multimodal integration involving a broad cortical network and higher cognitive processes during the encoding of realistic objects. Our data suggest that object perception under realistic conditions, in contrast to the conventional laboratory, requires multisensory integration involving an interconnected functional system, facilitating the formation of intertwined memory traces in realistic environments.
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors found that disgust sensitivity would be higher during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic period in pregnant women, such that higher disgust sensitivity was found in women pregnant during the pandemic.
Abstract: Introduction Considered a part of the behavioral immune system (BIS), disgust sensitivity is expected to be adjusting as a response to the actual level of the environmental health risks. Methods In this preregistered study, we tested the hypothesis that disgust sensitivity would be higher during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic period in pregnant women. In this between-subject study with a longitudinal trend design, we administered the Disgust Scale-Revised to 200 pregnant women before the pandemic and to 350 pregnant women during the pandemic. Results We found a small but significant effect of the pandemic on disgust sensitivity, such that higher disgust sensitivity was found in women pregnant during the pandemic. This effect was stronger in primiparae, however, the interaction between parity and the pandemic period was not significant. Disgust sensitivity decreased with age. No differences in terms of nausea and vomiting were found between the women pregnant before and during the pandemic. Discussion Our findings indicate that although BIS is presumed to function as a complex mechanism to prevent health-threatening behaviors, its activation in pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic is rather weak.
TL;DR: In this article , the authors examined mediators and moderators that may explain the link between smartphone addiction and phubbing behavior using a sample of 794 university students, and found that smartphone addiction is positively linked to phUBbing behavior.
Abstract: Introduction This article examines mediators and moderators that may explain the link between smartphone addiction and phubbing behavior using a sample of 794 university students. Methods A mediation model was tested to test the hypothesis that social comparison orientation and fear of missing out would mediate the link between smartphone addiction and phubbing behavior. Additionally, a moderated mediation model was leveraged to examine loneliness as a moderator within the hypothesized model. The data collected were analyzed using SPSS. Results and Discussion The findings show a significant positive relationship between smartphone addiction and phubbing behavior. The findings confirm the hypothesized associations and reveal that smartphone addiction is positively linked to phubbing behavior. The link, on the other hand, is partially and sequentially mediated by the fear of missing out and social comparison orientation. As a result, both mediators might be regarded as proximal variables of phubbing behavior. Moreover, the associations between both smart addiction and phubbing behaviors as well as social comparison orientation and phubbing behaviors are moderated by loneliness. These two effects were stronger for university students with high loneliness than for those with low loneliness. This study addresses a major gap in the clinical psychology literature through the attempt to explore the relationship between smartphone addiction and increased phubbing behavior among university students.
TL;DR: In this paper , a quali-quantitative study was conducted to investigate the impact of neuropsychopedagogical training on the wellbeing of refugee parents and their children in Italy, where they reported an increased sense of security, quality of sleep, and more frequent positive thoughts.
Abstract: Since February 2022, 7.8 million people have left Ukraine. In total, 80% are women and children. The present quali-quantitative study is the first in Italy to (i) describe the adaptation challenges and the resources of refugee parents and, indirectly, of their children and (ii) investigate the impact of neuropsychopedagogical training on their wellbeing. The sample includes N = 15 Ukrainian parents (80% mothers, mean age = 34 years) who arrived in Italy in March and April 2022. The parents participated in neuropsychopedagogical training within the program Envisioning the Future (EF): the 10 Keys to Resilience. Before the training, participants completed an ad hoc checklist to detect adjustment difficulties. After the training, they responded to a three-item post-training questionnaire on the course and to a semi-structured interview deepening adaptation problems, personal resources, and the neuropsychopedagogical training effects. Participants report that since they departed from Ukraine, they have experienced sleep, mood, and concentration problems, and specific fears, which they also observed in their children. They report self-efficacy, self-esteem, social support, spirituality, and common humanity as their principal resources. As effects of the training, they report an increased sense of security, quality of sleep, and more frequent positive thoughts. The interviews also reveal a 3-fold positive effect of the training (e.g., behavioral, emotional-relational, and cognitive-narrative).
TL;DR: Wang et al. as discussed by the authors explored the factors influencing learning with or without Danmu videos, an initial set of reasons and impediments was compiled based on a pilot study of 24 Chinese university students with learning experience using Danmu video comments.
Abstract: Learning from online videos using synchronized Danmu comments provides a co-learning experience. To explore the factors influencing learning with or without Danmu videos, an initial set of reasons and impediments was compiled based on a pilot study of 24 Chinese university students with learning experience using Danmu videos. Three hundred such students were surveyed to determine the factors that influence their motivations and hindrances with regard to using Danmu videos. The potential predictors of users’ continuance intentions were also examined. The results showed that the frequency of using Danmu videos is related to the continuous learning intention. Seeking information, social presence, and perceived entertainment motivate learners and positively impact their intention to continue learning using Danmu videos. Hindrances such as information pollution, attention failure, and visual obstacle were found to be negatively associated with learners’ continuance intention in the long run. Our findings provided constructive suggestions for addressing the issue of dropout rates, and novel ideas for future studies were proposed.
TL;DR: In this article , the authors investigated the way chatbots are perceived by middle-aged and aging adults in Romania and found that perceived ease of use is explained by the effort, the competence, and the perceive external control in interacting with chatbots.
Abstract: Introduction Within the technological development path, chatbots are considered an important tool for economic and social entities to become more efficient and to develop customer-centric experiences that mimic human behavior. Although artificial intelligence is increasingly used, there is a lack of empirical studies that aim to understand consumers’ experience with chatbots. Moreover, in a context characterized by constant population aging and an increased life-expectancy, the way aging adults perceive technology becomes of great interest. However, based on the digital divide (unequal access to technology, knowledge, and resources), and since young adults (aged between 18 and 34 years old) are considered to have greater affinity for technology, most of the research is dedicated to their perception. The present paper investigates the way chatbots are perceived by middle-aged and aging adults in Romania. Methods An online opinion survey has been conducted. The age-range of the subjects is 40–78 years old, a convenience sampling technique being used (N = 235). The timeframe of the study is May–June 2021. Thus, the COVID-19 pandemic is the core context of the research. A covariance-based structural equation modelling (CB-SEM) has been used to test the theoretical assumptions as it is a procedure used for complex conceptual models and theory testing. Results The results show that while perceived ease of use is explained by the effort, the competence, and the perceive external control in interacting with chatbots, perceived usefulness is supported by the perceived ease of use and subjective norms. Furthermore, individuals are likely to further use chatbots (behavioral intention) if they consider this interaction useful and if the others’ opinion is in favor of using it. Gender and age seem to have no effect on behavioral intention. As studies on chatbots and aging adults are few and are mainly investigating reactions in the healthcare domain, this research is one of the first attempts to better understand the way chatbots in a not domain-specific context are perceived later in life. Likewise, judging from a business perspective, the results can help economic and social organizations to improve and adapt AI-based interaction for the aging customers.
TL;DR: In this article , the authors used structural equation modeling and regression analysis to identify the Big Five personality factors for entrepreneurship, including openness, extraversion, non-agreeableness, conscientiousness, selfefficacy, internal locus of control, and risk-taking propensity.
Abstract: Research concerned with the personality of entrepreneurs entails an important part of the research into the management of small and medium-sized enterprises and entrepreneurship. This research has added new knowledge about the role of entrepreneurs’ personality characteristics, their family entrepreneurial background, and the local supportive entrepreneurial background in entrepreneurial start-up intentions and behaviors. Hypotheses and a model were developed and verified using structural equation modeling and regression analysis considering data from a sample of entrepreneurs and students. This research revealed that several personality and sociological factors can be important for entrepreneurship when it comes to starting a business. The most important were the Big Five personality factors openness, extraversion, and non-agreeableness and, to a smaller extent, emotional stability (non-neuroticism), and conscientiousness. The second-most important group of factors were the specific motivational characteristics entrepreneurial self-efficacy, internal locus of control, and risk-taking propensity. Sociological factors were much less important than psychological elements for establishing business.