Showing papers in "Psychological Reports in 2021"

Psychological Resilience of Healthcare Professionals During COVID-19 Pandemic.

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic as a public health issue has spread to the rest of the world. Although the wellbeing and emotional resilience of healthcare professionals are key components of continuing healthcare services during the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare professionals have been observed in this period to experience serious psychological problems and to be at risk in terms of mental health. Therefore, this study aims to probe psychological resilience of healthcare workers. The findings of this study showed that in order to raise psychological resilience of healthcare professionals working during the COVID-19 pandemic their quality of sleep, positive emotions and life satisfaction need to be enhanced. Psychological resilience levels of healthcare workers in their later years were found to be higher. Doctors constitute the group with the lowest levels of psychological resilience among healthcare workers. The current study is considered to have contributed to the literature in this regard. Primary needs such as sleep which are determinants of quality of life, life satisfaction and psychological resilience should be met.

Restorativeness in Natural and Urban Environments: A Meta-Analysis.

Abstract: In recent decades, there has been an increasing volume of research aimed out quantifying the extent to which the natural environment can assist in restoring mental, emotional, and physical well-bei...

Fear of Missing Out and Personality as Predictors of Social Networking Sites Usage: The Instagram Case.

Abstract: With the exponential increase in the number of social networking sites (SNS) users, there is also a significant shift in the popularity of these SNS. Moreover, fear of missing out (FOMO) is often blamed for the growth in SNS addictive tendencies. The current research examines the influence of FOMO and Big 5 personality traits on SNS attitudes, usage, and addictive tendencies in the context of an increasingly popular SNS - Instagram. Participants completed online questionnaires that assessed their personality traits and then be-friended one of the researchers on Instagram, which provided the actual Instagram activity data (e.g., total number of Instagram posts, total number of likes, etc.). Hierarchical regression results showed that personality factors explained significant amounts of variance in terms of attitude towards Instagram, number of likes, total number of Instagram posts since account inception, and social media addictive tendencies. Furthermore, FOMO had a significant positive effect on attitude toward Instagram, the total number of Instagram accounts that respondents followed, and social media addictive tendencies.

Possible Effects of Social Media Use on Adolescent Health Behaviors and Perceptions.

Abstract: Social media use is one of the most popular leisure activities among adolescents. Concomitant to this is a growing concern regarding problematic social media use and its relationship with health be...

What Is "Normal" Infant Sleep? Why We Still Do Not Know.

Abstract: The human need for sleep is universal and unquestioned; however, humans vary in their sleep needs according to age, individual differences, as well as cultural and social norms and practices. Therefore, what is "normal" in infant sleep and the development of sleep architecture in humans is highly dependent on biological and sociocultural variables as well as socially constructed assumptions about what infant sleep "should" look like. This paper uses a multidisciplinary approach to review papers from fields including pediatrics, anthropology, psychology, medicine, and sociology to understand "normal" infant sleep. Because human culture and behavioral practice changes much more quickly than evolved human biology, and because human evolutionary history occurred in the context of breastfeeding and cosleeping, new work in the field of infant sleep architecture development would benefit from a multidisciplinary approach. To come to a consensus about what is "normal" infant sleep, researchers must agree on underlying basic assumptions of infant sleep from which to ask question and interpret findings.

Predictors of Problematic Social Media Use: Personality and Life-Position Indicators:

Abstract: Given the preponderance of social media in our increasingly saturated media environments, there is a need for greater understanding of how personality traits and states can influence problematic social media use This study examines whether contextual age indicators (life satisfaction, interpersonal interaction, social activity), the fear of missing out, and the Big Five personality traits are significant predictors of Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat addictions A survey of 337 college students reveals that greater social activity is a positive predictor of addiction to Snapchat Another significant finding is a positive relationship between social media addiction and the fear of missing out, which explained the most variance in addiction scores for Snapchat (16%) An inductive analysis of open-ended responses indicated strong similarities between those who claimed that they were addicted to these social media apps and those said that they were not addicted Both groups described largely similar usage patterns and media dependency, yet several users did not self-identify as addicted to social media These patterns indicate that more research is needed to determine how social media users differentiate between normative, heavy, and addicted usage

Normal and Maladaptive Personality Traits as Predictors of Motives for Social Media Use and Its Effects on Well-Being.

Abstract: This study aimed to identify the motives for social media sites use in the general population and determine what personality traits (normal and maladaptive) predict different motives for social med...

Turkish Emotional Word Norms for Arousal, Valence, and Discrete Emotion Categories:

Abstract: The present study combined dimensional and categorical approaches to emotion to develop normative ratings for a large set of Turkish words on two major dimensions of emotion: arousal and valence, a...

Validation of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale in a Sample of Pakistan's University Students and Future Directions

Abstract: This study determined the psychometric validation of the English version of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S). Findings demonstrated robust psychometric properties for the FCV-19S. CFA results showed that the FCV-19S was a good model fit to the data in a sample of 608 university students. The FCV-19S also showed good concurrent validity, as it was significantly and positively related to the Preventive Behaviors related to COVID-19 Scale and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale as well as significantly and negatively related to the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale. The scale also showed good internal consistency reliability. Further, the association of age with FCV-19S indicated that younger students experienced greater fear of COVID-19. The analyses of mean differences revealed that women as compared to men, bachelor's and master's students as compared to post-master's students, and unemployed students as compared to employed students experienced greater fear of the outbreak. Also, those suffering from severe anxiety experienced greater fear of COVID-19 followed by those suffering from moderate, mild, and minimal anxiety. Moreover, knowing someone suffering from the coronavirus, being afraid that someone close might contract the virus, and believing that the current COVID-19 situation adversely affects academic performance were linked to higher levels of fear of the pandemic. Practice implications, limitations, and avenues for future research are also discussed.

Social Anxiety and Perceived Social Support: Gender Differences and the Mediating Role of Communication Styles.

Abstract: Social anxiety has been linked with lower perceived social support, and there is some evidence that communication styles may explain this relationship. In addition, a body of literature has found g...

The Mediating Effect of Perceived Stress and Moderating Effect of Trust for the Relationship Between Employee Silence and Behavioral Outcomes.

Abstract: Employees withholding their opinions is pervasive in organizations. However, the individual outcomes of employee silence have not been frequently investigated. Previous studies have found that ther...

Relationship Between Gender, Stress, and Quality of Social Support:

Abstract: BackgroundResearch suggests that gender differences exist in both stress and how social support is utilized and that the relationship between stress and social support may not be linear.MethodsAn i...

Inclusive Leadership and Pro-Social Rule Breaking: The Role of Psychological Safety, Leadership Identification and Leader-Member Exchange

Abstract: This study explores the impact of inclusive leadership on employees' pro-social rule breaking through the dual path of psychological safety and leadership identification, as well as the moderating role of leader-member exchange in the above paths. We used questionnaires to survey 303 employees at two time points. The results show that inclusive leadership has a significant positive impact on employees' pro-social rule breaking, that psychological safety and leadership identification play mediating roles in this relationship, and that there is no significant difference between the mediating effects. Leader-member exchange moderates the indirect effect of inclusive leadership on pro-social rule breaking through psychological safety. That is, under a high level of leader-member exchange, inclusive leadership has a strong impact on psychological safety and pro-social rule breaking, but the moderating effect of inclusive leadership on employees' pro-social rule breaking through leadership identification is not significant. This study provides guidance for improving the vitality of employees and promoting the development of enterprise rules.

Factors Underlying Engagement in Facebook Support Groups of Female Infertility Patients

Abstract: Women dealing with infertility issues may well undergo a long process of treatments and they are also likely to feel empty, defective, inadequate and worthless Some of these women join online support groups in order to share their experiences, get information and ease their pain One important positive phenomenon of the Internet is the advent of online support groups These are designed to foster well-being and increased social interaction, and to offer 24/7 availability with no geographical restrictions This study, comprising 191 female participants who answered an online survey, focused on closed Facebook support groups, the members of which were women undergoing treatments for infertility The study examined to what extent the degree of engagement by these women in online support groups could be predicted by external factors (family status, social and family support, the importance of the group and the duration of membership) and internal factors (extroversion, openness to experience, subjective happiness and loneliness) Findings show that higher levels of engagement in such Facebook support groups are predicted by the external factors, including having a child, longer duration of membership in the group, family support and the strongest predictor, perception of the group as important Findings also show that higher levels of engagement in these groups are predicted by internal factors extroversion and openness to experience, as was found in previous studies of other populations Results and future research are discussed

Relationship Between Mindfulness, Psychopathological Symptoms, and Academic Performance in University Students:

Abstract: It has been shown that a mindfulness construct involving five component skills (observing, describing, acting with awareness, nonjudging of inner experience, and nonreactivity to inner experience) is related to well-being and lessens depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms. This study investigates the relationship between mindfulness, academic performance, and psychopathological symptoms in a sample of Swiss university students during preparation for examinations. A total sample of 150 university students from the psychology department at the University of Geneva were invited to report their mindfulness skills and academic performance, as well as anxiety, depression, and stress symptoms, through self-report measures. Results indicated that the total mindfulness score and the nonreactivity facet of mindfulness were associated with depression scores. Furthermore, mindfulness skills were positively correlated with students' academic performance. Finally, certain demographic variables, such as gender, were linked to the presence of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms in our sample. The clinical implications of these results are discussed.

Positive Psychosocial Outcomes and Fanship in K-Pop Fans: A Social Identity Theory Perspective.

Abstract: Korean pop culture (K-Pop) has spread its influence outside of Korea to a worldwide fan audience. The present study investigated the self-categorised K-Pop fandom characteristics that predicted higher levels of K-Pop fanship, and subsequent psychosocial outcomes. Social identity theory was applied as a theoretical framework. In total, 1477 K-Pop fans from 92 predominantly Western countries fully completed an extensive online survey measuring fanship, fandom and psychosocial outcomes (happiness, self-esteem and social connectedness). Results of this study indicated that K-Pop fanship was significantly predicted by a several K-Pop demographic and fandom characteristics. K-Pop fanship was a significant predictor of increased happiness, self-esteem and social connectedness. The study findings advance the application of social identity theory in a K-Pop fan context and the psychological fanship research more broadly.

Network Structures of Symptoms From the Zung Depression Scale.

Abstract: The Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) is a psychometric tool composed of 20 items used to assess depression symptoms. The aim of this work is to perform a network analysis of this scale in a large sample composed of 1090 French-speaking Belgian university students. We estimated a regularized partial correlation network and a Directed Acyclic Graph for the 20 items of the questionnaire. Node predictability (shared variance with surrounding nodes in the network) was used to assess the connectivity of items. The network comparison test was performed to compare networks from female and male students. The network composed of items from the SDS is overall positively connected, although node connectivity varies. Item 11 ("My mind is as clear as it used to be") is the most interconnected item. Networks from female and male students did not differ. DAG reported directed edges among items. Network analysis is a useful tool to explore depression symptoms and offers new insight as to how they interact. Further studies may endeavor to replicate our findings in different samples, including clinical samples to replicate the network structures and determine possible viable targets for clinical intervention.

Exploring the Relationship Between Students' Academic Success and Happiness Levels in the Higher Education Settings During the Lockdown Period of COVID-19.

Abstract: Happiness and subjective well-being are interesting topics for search and study The perception of happiness differs from one person to another; however, happiness can be defined as a general feeling that people feel and share The United Arab Emirates puts forth great efforts to achieve happiness amongst people who live in it In aligning with the Happiness Meter that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) launched , this research study aims to measure the level of happiness among higher education students and its relationship with their academic success during the lockdown period of COVID-19 Exploring whether the happiness level predicts students' success and if a gender-based difference in the feeling of happiness and well-being resides The Oxford Happiness Questionnaire (OHQ) was used to conducting this research project Simple linear regression and t-test for independent samples were used to achieving the purpose of the study Data analysis revealed that higher education students in the UAE have high levels of happiness and academic success; the students' happiness levels were found to be correlated to their academic success T-test demonstrated that there was no gender-based difference in the happiness level among the students of higher education settings

The Bright and Dark Aspects of Grit in the Pursuit of Success.

Abstract: Grit, defined as passion and perseverance for long-term goals, predicts success in a number of social domains. The present two studies examined grit and its subscales, and how these relate to both adaptive and maladaptive personality traits pertaining to success. For Study 1, based on data from 249 participants, results indicated that grit was correlated positively with proactive personality, personal growth initiative, and competitiveness, and the perseverance subscale also was correlated positively with self- and other-oriented perfectionism. The findings of Study 1 led us to further explore the dark aspects of grit in Study 2: based on data from 222 participants, results indicated that grit was correlated negatively with Machiavellianism, hypercompetitiveness, and most forms of narcissism but positively correlated with adaptive grandiose narcissism. Collectively, results reveal grit to be a positive, adaptive trait but raise questions regarding the perfectionistic tendencies of gritty individuals and the unitary nature of the construct.

An Empirical Exploration of Longitudinal Predictors for Problematic Internet Use and Problematic Gaming Behavior.

Abstract: Problematic gaming (PG) has been included in the DSM-5 and ICD-11. But, it is still controversially discussed, if problematic (online-) gaming is a subtype of problematic Internet use (PIU) or if b...

The Moderating Effect of Emotional Intelligence on Problematic Internet Use and Cyberbullying Perpetration Among Adolescents: Gender Differences:

Abstract: A large body of literature has identified the problematic Internet use as a risk factor for cyberbullying perpetration. Nevertheless, the studies on protective factors that may moderate this relati...

Influence of Lack of Trust on Romantic Relationship Problems: The Mediating Role of Partner Cell Phone Snooping.

Abstract: We investigated how a lack of trust in one’s romantic partner exacerbates problems such as emotional instability, conflict, or intention to break up in relationships with the role of cell phone sno...

Gender Differences in Empathy During Adolescence: Does Emotional Self-Awareness Matter?

Abstract: Empathy refers to the capacity to experience emotions similar to those observed or imagined in another person, with the full knowledge that the other person is the source of these emotions. Awarene...

Mindfulness meditation improves visual short-term memory

Abstract: Research into the effects of mindfulness meditation on behavioral outcomes has received much interest in recent years, with benefits for both short-term memory and working memory identified. However, little research has considered the potential effects of brief mindfulness meditation interventions or the nature of any benefits for visual short-term memory. Here, we investigate the effect of a single, 8-minute mindfulness meditation intervention, presented via audio recording, on a short-term memory task for faces. In comparison with two control groups (listening to an audiobook or simply passing the time however they wished), our mindfulness meditation participants showed greater increases in visual short-term memory capacity from pre- to post-intervention. In addition, only mindfulness meditation resulted in significant increases in performance. In conclusion, a single, brief mindfulness meditation intervention led to improvements in visual short-term memory capacity for faces, with important implications regarding the minimum intervention necessary to produce measurable changes in short-term memory tasks.

Online and Academic Procrastination in Students With Learning Disabilities: The Impact of Academic Stress and Self-Efficacy

Abstract: The steady growth in the number of college students with learning disabilities (LD) increases the need to investigate their unique characteristics and behaviors in academia The present study exami

Social Support Moderates the Relationship Between Death Anxiety and Psychological Distress Among Israeli Nurses.

Abstract: Based on the stress-buffering model, the current study sought to examine the moderating role of perceived social support in the association between death anxiety and psychological distress among nurses. Select variables found in previous studies to correlate with psychological distress served in the current study as covariates to control for their relationship with psychological distress among nurses. These include gender, years of professional experience, self-rated health, self-efficacy, and self-defined burnout. Structured questionnaires were administered to a sample of 795 professionally active nurses in Israel. Psychological distress was assessed by the 6-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6), death anxiety was assessed by a single item scale designed by Abdel-Khalek, and perceived social support was assessed by the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). The research findings show that higher levels of death anxiety were associated with higher levels of psychological distress only among nurses with lower levels of perceived social support. The study indicates that in order to reduce the level of distress experienced by nurses it is important to take action to reduce their death anxiety and enhance their social support mechanisms.

The Predictive Utility of Reward-Based Motives Underlying Excessive and Problematic Social Networking Site Use:

Abstract: Compulsive seeking of reward is a hallmark feature of drug addiction, but the role of reward is less well understood in behavioural addictions. The present study investigated the predictive utility of ten reward-based motives, which we identified in the literature, in explaining excessive and problematic use of social networking sites (SNSs). These motives were examined in a cross-sectional survey of 411 young adults, revealing that prolonged use and excessive checking were predicted by distinctly different motives. More frequent checking of SNSs was most closely associated with motives related to obtaining social rewards (impression management/social comparisons/fear of missing out) and the desire to find/consume enjoyable content. In contrast, the amount of time an individual spends on SNSs was predicted by the desire to engage in negative social interactions or to fulfil personal needs (self-expression/documentation of life events). Problematic SNS use was best explained by the motivation to obtain social rewards and to a lesser extent by enjoyment and negative social potency (e.g., trolling) motives. Our results highlight the importance of social reward in explaining excessive and problematic SNS use, suggesting that a focus on reducing the desire to obtain social reward (e.g., through likes, social comparisons, continual connection) may be most beneficial in tackling problematic SNS behaviours.

Direct and Indirect Associations of Personality With Audiovisual Technology Acceptance Through General Self-Efficacy.

Abstract: Increasing consensus among information systems researchers suggests that personality accounts for the effective use of several technologies, yet less is known about the process through which person...

Exploring Diener's Multidimensional Conceptualization of Well-Being Through Network Psychometrics.

Abstract: Previous research has addressed the study of the well-being structure focusing on the separability among hedonic and eudaimonic dimensions by means of latent variable approaches. Diener's tripartite model of Subjective Well-Being has often been identified with hedonic well-being, while flourishing (i.e., positive functioning) has been classified as a proxy for eudaimonic well-being. Instead of pursuing a theory-driven approach, the structure of well-being dimensions can be retrieved by means of network psychometrics that is a highly informative, data-driven approach that allows the model structure to spontaneously emerge from the relationships among indicators. Furthermore, we propose a strength centrality decomposition that is able to summarize the influence of a specific indicator within its dimension and between the other dimensions. Contrary to the theoretical conjecture that the separability among well-being dimensions can be grounded on a hedonic and eudaimonic distinction, our results point to a categorization of the Diener's well-being indicators based on the type of information they convey, that is global evaluation of life satisfaction, positive and negative affective experiences, and perceived positive functioning in life.

Perceptions of Work Value and Ethical Practices Amongst Primary School Teachers, Demographics, Intervention, and Impact.

Abstract: The rate of value decadence and degeneration of moral value as it applies to work ethic amongst teachers is worrisome, especially in Nigeria. This value decadence amongst Nigerian teachers could ha...