Showing papers in "Psychological Studies in 2020"
TL;DR: This article conducted a comparative analysis of the use of drawing as a diagnostic tool for children who have experienced severe trauma and its use as a narrative instrument and found abundant sources of functioning, coping abilities and agency in facing adversity.
Abstract: In light of critical psychology and socio-constructionist theories, the present work aims at analyzing attitudes of political agency, psychological adjustment to trauma, and resistance, as protective factors against political violence in 122 children living in refugee camps in Palestine: Aida and Dheisheh camps in the West Bank and Jabalia camp on the Gaza Strip. Data were collected over 3 months, during summer camps that lasted at least 6 days. We conducted a comparative analysis of the use of drawing as a diagnostic tool for children who have experienced severe trauma and its use as a narrative instrument. Two strikingly different portraits emerge from a diagnostic perspective on the inner states of trauma-impacted children versus a narrative child-centered perspective that values children’s own efforts to construct meaning. The former type of analysis is underpinned by an image of vulnerable children, afflicted by symptoms and at risk of losing emotional and behavioral control. In contrast, the analysis of children’s narratives reveals abundant sources of functioning, coping abilities and agency in facing adversity. We discuss the fact that the first of these approaches fails to capture the protective and functioning factors underlying aspects of dysfunction and maladaptation. Diagnosis-oriented approaches risk to victimize and pathologize children living in contexts of ongoing trauma. The results of this preliminary survey on children’s activism and agency show and confirm the crucial role of context in shaping children’s suffering and reactions to war and ongoing violence.
33 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the prevalence of psychological distress and associated factors among in-school adolescents in Tanzania was estimated by using cross-sectional data from the 2014 Global School-based Health Survey.
Abstract: The aim of this investigation was to estimate the prevalence of psychological distress and associated factors among in-school adolescents in Tanzania. Cross-sectional data from the 2014 “Global School-based Health Survey” included 3765 students (mean age 14.0 years, SD = 1.7 years) that were representative of all middle school students (grade 6–7 students in primary schools and form 1–3 students in secondary schools) in Tanzania in 2014. The prevalence of single psychological distress was 20.6% and multiple psychological distress 10.3%. In adjusted multinomial logistic regression analysis, the experience of hunger, current tobacco use, bullying victimization and ever had sex was positively associated with single and/or multiple psychological distress. Peer support, school attendance and fruit consumption were protective from single and/or multiple psychological distress. A high prevalence and several factors associated with psychological distress were identified which can help in guiding preventive strategies.
19 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explored the relationship between perceptions of autonomy-supportive teacher behaviour, students' autonomous motivation, academic flow, and burnout in a university setting, and found that students who perceived their teachers as providing more autonomy support experienced more autonomous learning motivation which, in turn, led to more frequent flow experiences in learning and subsequently to less burnout.
Abstract: Drawing on self-determination theory and flow theory, the purpose of the present study was to explore the relationship between perceptions of autonomy-supportive teacher behaviour, students’ autonomous motivation, academic flow, and burnout in a university setting. More specifically, we tested the mediational role of both autonomous motivation and academic flow in the relationship between perceived teachers’ behaviour (autonomy support) and student burnout. The sample consisted of 213 Croatian university students (70% female, mean age of 20 years). Four instruments were administered: the Learning Climate Questionnaire, the Self-Regulation Questionnaire—Academic Domain, the Wolf-Study Questionnaire, and the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory-S. The results of structural equation modelling indicated that students who perceived their teachers as providing more autonomy support experienced more autonomous learning motivation which, in turn, led to more frequent flow experiences in learning and subsequently to less burnout. The results are in line with both self-determination theory and flow theory, with significant practical implications suggesting that teachers should support the satisfaction of students’ needs for autonomy and facilitate students’ academic flow in order to prevent student burnout.
12 citations
TL;DR: Active commuting and tree planting are examples of active pro-environmental behaviours as mentioned in this paper, which are a combination of outdoor physical activities and proenvironmental behaviors that have a minimum impact on the environment, or even have positive consequences for the environment.
Abstract: Most research about the promotion of pro-environmental behaviours has focused on actions conducted at home (e.g. energy saving). While acknowledging their relevance, the effect of such behaviours on the mitigation of two of the most relevant global environmental problems (climate change and biodiversity loss) is relatively small. We present a literature review with two main objectives. First is to introduce the concept of active pro-environmental behaviours. These are a combination of outdoor physical activities and pro-environmental behaviours. The latter involve behaviours that have a minimum impact on the environment, or even have positive consequences for the environment. Active commuting and tree planting are examples of active pro-environmental behaviours. The second objective is to discuss the relevance of active pro-environmental behaviours for people’s health and sustainability and, thereby, to encourage more research and efforts towards the promotion of these behaviours. We conclude by suggesting how stakeholders can promote active pro-environmental behaviours.
12 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors proposed and tested a social media-based gratitude intervention, where participants in the gratitude group were instructed to post one picture with a caption related to gratitude on Instagram for 7 days.
Abstract: Gratitude interventions have been consistently found to enhance individuals’ gratitude level. However, most of the existing gratitude interventions require handwriting that is difficult to sustain among young adults who often use social networking sites. This study thus proposed and tested a social media-based gratitude intervention. Thirty-three undergraduate students aged between 18 and 24 years were randomly assigned to gratitude group and control group. Participants in the gratitude group were instructed to post one picture with a caption related to gratitude on Instagram for 7 days. Likewise, the control group was to post a picture with caption related to colour. All participants answered Big Five Inventory short version before the intervention as well as the Gratitude Questionnaire-Six-Items Form, Perceived Stress Scale, and Satisfaction with Life Scale before and after the intervention. Analysis of covariance (controlling personality traits, pre- and post-measured stress and life satisfaction) indicated that students in the gratitude condition reported higher levels of gratitude than those in the control group. No significant difference was observed for post-measured stress and life satisfaction. Overall, the preliminary findings support that the gratitude intervention through Instagram is a promising method to increase gratitude among young adults.
11 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a qualitative study aimed at investigating the reasons for burnout among Iranian English language teachers who were teaching in public Iranian high schools was conducted, and 15 male and female teachers who had scored high on the Maslach Burnout Inventory were selected and studied through semi-structured interview, journal keeping and observation methods.
Abstract: This qualitative study aimed at investigating the reasons for burnout among Iranian English language teachers who were teaching in public Iranian high schools. To this aim, 15 male and female teachers who had scored high on the Maslach Burnout Inventory were selected and studied through semi-structured interview, journal keeping and observation methods. Qualitative content analysis of the collected data showed that students’ low proficiency, lack of support from administrators, student misbehavior, students’ lack of interest in learning English, time limitation and class oversize were among the major reasons for Iranian English language teacher burnout. The results support the recent renewal of the English language teaching curriculum for schools, but they have further implications for policy-makers.
10 citations
TL;DR: This article explored the relationship between personality traits and the tendency to lie and found that self-esteem, openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism were negatively correlated with lying.
Abstract: In this study, we explored the relationship between personality traits and the tendency to lie. Specifically, we examined the correlation between various forms of lying and the personality factors of self-esteem, openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, neuroticism. We developed a lie scale that assessed the tendency to tell three types of lies: altruistic, self-serving, and vindictive. A total of 352 participants completed the lie scale, the Ten-Item Personality Inventory, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Self-esteem, openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, and agreeableness were negatively correlated with lying, while neuroticism was positively correlated with lying. Multiple regression analyses were used to determine the unique set of personality predictors for each type of lie.
9 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the mediating influence of self-compassion on the relationship between two types of perfectionism and personal growth initiative in a sample of Filipino adults was examined, and it was found that those high in conscientious perfectionism, considered as adaptive perfectionism are more likely to have selfcompassion; and through high levels of self compassion, are more likelihood to develop personal growth initiatives.
Abstract: Personal growth and positive change are areas of great interest in psychology. This study examined the mediating influence of self-compassion on the relationship between two types of perfectionism and personal growth initiative in a sample of Filipino adults (N = 351). Findings suggest that those high in conscientious perfectionism, considered as adaptive perfectionism, are more likely to have self-compassion; and through high levels of self-compassion, are more likely to develop personal growth initiative. On the other hand, those high in self-evaluative perfectionism, considered maladaptive, are far less likely to have self-compassion; and through lower levels of self-compassion, are less likely to develop personal growth initiative. Implications for theory and practice, as well as suggestions for further research, are discussed.
7 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors identify distinctive mental health profiles for industrial psychologists based on the Mental Health Continuum and determine how these profiles differ with respect to work-role fit, meaningfulness and work engagement.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to identify distinctive mental health profiles for industrial psychologists based on the Mental Health Continuum. Further, it aimed to determine how these profiles differ with respect to work-role fit, meaningfulness and work engagement. It also aimed to investigate whether industrial psychologists within managerial or specialist differ in respect of different types of mental health. An online cross-sectional survey design was employed to draw a census sample (n = 274) from all South African industrial psychologists. A biographical questionnaire, the Work-Role Fit Scale, the Psychological Meaningfulness Scale, the Work Engagement Scale, and the Mental Health Continuum–Short Form were administered. Descriptive statistics, correlations, latent profile analysis, MANOVAs and ANOVAs were computed. Three mental health profiles for industrial psychologists were identified: languishing, moderately mentally healthy and flourishing. Significant differences between the three mental health profiles and experiences of meaningful work-role fit and work engagement were found, but not between experiences of managerial roles. The results show that individuals with different mental health profiles, experience work and its related outcomes, differently. Therefore, in order to enhance meaningful work-role fit and work engagement of industrial psychologists, a one-size-fits-all model may not be appropriate.
6 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the direct and interactive effects of core self-evaluations (CSEs), psychological demands (i.e., quantitative and emotional demands) and coping strategies on mental and physical health in a sample of Argentinian managers.
Abstract: This study examined the direct and interactive effects of core self-evaluations (CSEs), psychological demands (i.e., quantitative and emotional demands) and coping strategies on mental and physical health in a sample of Argentinian managers. A total of 112 managers completed an online survey on CSEs, psychological demands, coping strategies, mental health, and physical health. First, the results of the hierarchical regression analyses revealed that both quantitative and emotional demands were significant predictors of individuals’ mental and physical health. Second, CSEs were found to significantly explain individuals’ mental health but not their physical health. Third, the findings showed that CSEs moderated the relationship between emotional demands and physical health, suggesting that the negative effects of emotional demands on physical health are greater for those individuals with less positive CSEs. Fourth, the results demonstrated that CSEs moderated the relationship between problem-solving coping and physical health, which suggests that this strategy is more effective when individuals have more positive CSEs. Finally, practical implications, limitations and future lines of research are discussed in this article.
6 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined and compared parenting knowledge, dysfunctional discipline practices, and parenting self-efficacy, and explored the preferred sources of knowledge employed by parents in gathering information about child development, finding that fathers demonstrated lesser knowledge about child-rearing and child development compared to mothers, were more likely to employ dysfunctional disciplining strategies, and relied on their partner for information about parenting.
Abstract: Knowledge of child-rearing and child development is of the utmost importance to optimal parenting and child well-being. Most of what is known about parenting knowledge is derived from mothers or at-risk samples. Accordingly, in a sample comprising both mothers and fathers, we examined and compared parenting knowledge, dysfunctional discipline practices, and parenting self-efficacy. We also explored the preferred sources of knowledge employed by parents in gathering information about child development. Fathers demonstrated lesser knowledge about child development compared to mothers, were more likely to employ dysfunctional disciplining strategies, and relied on their partner for information about parenting. Parent gender, parent age, and ethnicity were significant predictors of parenting knowledge, and higher parenting knowledge was associated with diminished use of dysfunctional discipline behaviors. We discuss these findings in relation to the ‘gate-keeping process’ and sociocultural changes in relation to gender norms for mothers and fathers.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors designed and validated a scale assessing the English as a foreign language (EFL) teachers' motivation and employing the scale to investigate the association between teachers’ motivation, job commitment, and work engagement.
Abstract: The aim of the current quantitative research was to design and validate a scale assessing the English as a foreign language (EFL) teachers’ motivation and employing the scale to investigate the association between teachers’ motivation, job commitment, and work engagement. In order to design the scale, the collected data from a triangulated qualitative study by Pourtoussi et al. (Int J Instruct 11(4):175–190, 2018) were employed. The researchers designed the questionnaire based on five factors (teacher-related, administrative, student-related, non-human-related, and immediate environment) rated on a five-point Likert scale. The proposed model was tested via confirmatory factor analysis using the LISREL 8.50 statistical package. Afterwards, we probed the interrelationship between motivation, work engagement, and job commitment via structural equation modeling. The results demonstrated that EFL teachers’ motivation positively and significantly predicted work engagement and job commitment. Work engagement positively influenced job commitment.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the views of media editors on suicide and the considerations that guide them in publishing suicide stories in Ghana, concluding that the media is a partner in public health education; but on the other hand, the media's activities can be deleterious to all preventive efforts in health education on suicide.
Abstract: Media reporting of suicide has attracted attention globally because it has the potential to trigger copycat suicides. The absence of a national policy on suicide prevention in Ghana has left the media landscape with uncensored publication of suicide stories. The aim of this study was to examine the views of media editors on suicide and the considerations that guide them in publishing suicide stories in the country. Fourteen media reporters and editors (10 males, 4 females) from three major media houses in Accra, the capital, between the ages of 26–48 participated in semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis of the results showed that considerations for publishing suicide stories included deterrence, didacticism, celebritism, and ethics. These considerations generally reflect the doubled-edged role of the media in suicide prevention: on the one hand, the media is a partner in public health education; but on the other hand, the media’s activities can be deleterious to all preventive efforts in public health education on suicide. Implications for gatekeeper training for media personnel in suicide prevention in Ghana are addressed.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explored stakeholder perspectives on felt need, potential content, receptivity and feasibility of a positive youth development program for mental health promotion in college campuses and found that potential content of such a program included mental health awareness, dealing with depression and anxiety, managing negative emotions, managing pressures and temptations, improving self-confidence, reflection and clarity about life goals, cultivating sense of gratitude, broadening other orientation, and time management skills.
Abstract: The present study aimed at exploring stakeholder perspectives on felt need, potential content, receptivity and feasibility of a positive youth development program for mental health promotion in college campuses. Study objectives were attained through semi-structured interviews with 20 college faculty/administrators and five focus group discussions with 64 students across 16 colleges in a metropolitan city in South India. The need and relevance of a program for mental health promotion were endorsed by all the participants, and it was considered feasible with prior planning. Suggestions for potential content of such a program included mental health awareness, dealing with depression and anxiety, managing negative emotions, managing pressures and temptations, improving self-confidence, reflection and clarity about life goals, cultivating sense of gratitude, broadening other orientation, and time management skills. The content of intervention perceived as important by the two groups of stakeholders highlighted the broad convergences between the potential themes being considered by the researchers and the stakeholder views. Potential receptivity to the program was considered to be good though it was perceived to be influenced by the awareness about the importance of such a program. Suboptimal interest of college authority and/or students and competing academics and other programs were identified as potential challenges to program implementation. The findings are discussed with respect to implications for program development as well as for further research.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the prevalence and risk factors for loneliness among in-school adolescents in Tanzania and found that adolescents who experienced hunger and anxiety, used tobacco, were truant, and engaged in a physical fight had higher risks of being lonely.
Abstract: Though considered a normal part of adolescent development, loneliness is a mental state that can result in considerable psychological distress. We examined the prevalence and risk factors for loneliness among in-school adolescents in Tanzania. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of 2,449 in-school adolescents from Tanzania using data from the 2017 Global School-Based Health Survey. Frequencies, percentages, Chi-square, and binary logistic regression were used in analysing the data. The prevalence of loneliness was 17.4%. Adolescents in forms 1 and 2 were more likely to be lonely than those in grade 6–7. Adolescents who experienced hunger and anxiety, used tobacco, were truant, and engaged in a physical fight had higher risks of being lonely. The prevalence of loneliness among in-school adolescents in Tanzania is quite high. As a mental state, the drastic long-term effects of loneliness on its victims make it imperative for stakeholders in Tanzania’s health industry to plan and implement pragmatic innovative social support programmes and counselling support units in schools. This can ensure the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goal 3.4 target of improving mental health by the year 2030.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the relationship between coping competence, mindfulness, and well-being and examined the role of coping competence and mindfulness on wellbeing, and found a significant positive relationship between all the three variables.
Abstract: Adolescence is a volatile and fragile transitional period of life marked with experiences that threat well-being. The objectives of the study were devised to investigate the relationship between coping competence, mindfulness, and well-being and to examine the role of coping competence and mindfulness on well-being. The study followed a correlational design. A total sample of 221 adolescents (111 boys and 110 girls; age range 14–19 years) were recruited from schools and colleges through purposive sampling and were administered the following scales: cognitive and affective mindfulness scale-revised, the coping competence questionnaire, and WHO Well-Being Index 5. The obtained quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent samples t test, Pearson’s correlation and standard multiple regression. A significant positive relationship between all the three variables, viz. coping competence, mindfulness and well-being was found. Multiple regression analyses indicated that both the variables-coping competence and mindfulness (together as a model) predicted well-being but did not make significant individual contributions in predicting well-being. The implications and limitations of the study are discussed.
TL;DR: In this article, the relationship between the most important familial factors (e.g., parental education, parental occupation, family type, monthly household income, sibling's achievement) with students' academic motivation and achievement was investigated.
Abstract: Educational psychologists, nowadays, are more concerned about the students who are motivated in learning and interested in achieving their academic goals. Academic motivation and achievement are considered as primary indicators of students’ learning process and outcomes. This study aimed to know the relationship between the most important familial factors (e.g., parental education, parental occupation, family type, monthly household income, sibling’s achievement) with students’ academic motivation and achievement. One hundred and eighty high school students, age ranging from 13 to 16 years (M = 14.20, SD = .960), at eighth through tenth grade, were selected from six high schools through purposive sampling method, from Chittagong, Bangladesh. A Bangla version of ‘Academic Motivation Questionnaire’ (Fatematuzzohra et al., 2010), originally developed by Vallerand et al. (Can J Behav Sci 21(3):323–349, 1989. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0079855), was used to pursue the study. The result showed that all of the familial factors except the family type had significant effects on both students’ academic motivation and achievement scores. A significant positive correlation was found between students’ academic achievement and academic motivation scores (r = .339, p < .01). All of the familial factors were significant in explaining students’ academic achievement as well as their academic motivation. These factors combinedly explained 57.5% of the variance in students’ academic achievement (R2 = .575, F(13, 166) = 17.281, p < .01) and explained 30.5% of the variance in students’ academic motivation (R2 = .305, F(13, 166) = 5.614, p < .01). Implications for understanding the relationship between familial factors and academic motivation and achievement are discussed.
TL;DR: In this paper, a study was conducted to discover the strategies employed by Information Technology (IT) companies in India to engage the millennial workforce, and assess the effectiveness of these strategies using a concurrent mixed method approach.
Abstract: The purpose of the study was to discover the strategies employed by Information Technology (IT) companies in India to engage the millennial workforce, and assess the effectiveness of these strategies. A concurrent mixed method approach was used. In the quantitative phase of the research, a questionnaire was administered to a random sample of 306 IT employees from the millennial generation to discover which strategies or employee benefit schemes had been effective in positively influencing employee engagement. Data were analysed using Structural Equation Modelling. In the qualitative phase of the study, 18 millennial generation managers belonging to the IT sector were interviewed. Purposive sampling was used. The qualitative study offered a deeper understanding of the phenomenon Employee Engagement and insights into lived experiences of employees. Both studies confirmed that activities related to corporate social responsibility, outdoor and cultural activities, and opportunities for informal communication determined engagement of the millennial workforce in the IT sector. Work life balance and opportunities for physical activities were desirable hygiene factors, but not determining factors for engagement. In the qualitative study, it was found that gamification of learning was not considered a proactive engagement strategy; however, the quantitative study showed that it was most effective in engaging the millennials.
TL;DR: This article investigated whether gender affects moral reasoning and emotional state and found that women were less prone than men to accept a moral violation, such as killing someone to save their own lives and the lives of others.
Abstract: Moral sense is important for determining human behaviour. Moral sense becomes crucial in operational environments in which choices must be made that have complex moral implications in highly stressful situations. Behavioural and neuroimaging findings have shown the existence of gender-related differences in moral reasoning. The present study aimed to investigate whether gender affects moral reasoning and emotional state. We also investigated whether empathy, decision-making and emotional regulation strategies had a role in determining gender differences in solving moral dilemmas. We found that moral judgements and emotional engagement were significantly different. Women were less prone than men to accept a moral violation, such as killing someone to save their own lives and the lives of others. Furthermore, women were more emotionally involved and experienced dysphoric emotions more often than men. Our results shed light upon the mechanisms that affect moral reasoning and determine gender differences in solving moral dilemmas.
TL;DR: In this paper, the effects of different types of war events and socio-demographic characteristics on somatic symptoms in war-affected youth in Northern Uganda were investigated using maximum likelihood estimation in structural equation modelling.
Abstract: War experiences have been shown to have adverse long-term psychological sequelae. Nevertheless, the roles of different types of war events in predicting which mental health outcomes remain unclear. This study investigated the effects of different types of war events and socio-demographic characteristics on somatic symptoms in war-affected youth in Northern Uganda. A sample of 539 youth (mean age = 22.39; ± 2.03) participated in the study. Using maximum likelihood estimation in structural equation modelling, regression analyses were fitted to relate binary indicators of different types of war events to one latent factor capturing somatic symptoms. The results indicated that sex, marital status, and war types of “direct personal harm”, “deaths”, and “sexual abuse” independently and uniquely predicted somatic symptoms. Types of war events should be considered when planning interventions. Somatic symptoms may be a window into physical health and psychological sequelae. Implications for mental health service delivery are discussed.
TL;DR: This paper examined for ethnocultural differences in how adherence to a variety of Asian American values predict differentiation of self in a sample of 371 Asian and 164 Caucasian college students and adults living in North America.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine for ethnocultural differences in how adherence to a variety of Asian American values predict differentiation of self in a sample of 371 Asian and 164 Caucasian college students and adults living in North America. As a part of a larger project, participants completed both the Asian American Values Scale-Multidimensional and the Differentiation of Self Revised scale to assess levels of adherence to cultural values and differentiation of self, respectively. Results indicated that there were significant differences between the two cultural groups in the relationship between adherence to Asian American values and differentiation of self. Regression results further supported the hypothesis that specific Asian American values accounted for significant amount of variance in differentiation of self in Asian college students and adults living in North America. Implications for theory, clinical practice, and future research are included.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the psychometric properties of Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) among a sample of middle adolescent students attending English-medium schools in the collectivist cultural setting of India.
Abstract: Although a growing body of research has examined the psychometric properties of the Satisfaction with Life Scale among late adolescent, adult, and older adult populations, there is a dearth of research examining the properties among middle adolescents across countries and cultures.
This study therefore examined the psychometric properties—reliability, validity, temporal stability, and gender invariance—of the SWLS among a sample of middle adolescent students attending English-medium schools in the collectivist cultural setting of India. McDonald’s omega coefficient indicated that the SWLS scores showed evidence of reliability. The results of confirmatory factor analyses demonstrated the factorial validity of the SWLS scores. Bivariate correlational analyses provided support for the convergent and discriminant validity of the SWLS scores.
The results of hierarchical multiple regression analyses revealed that the SWLS scores significantly and positively predicted engagement scores and overall school GPA, thereby demonstrating the predictive validity of the SWLS scores.
The test–retest reliability coefficient demonstrated the temporal stability of the SWLS scores. The results of multigroup confirmatory factor analysis provided support for gender invariance in the SWLS scores. Taken together, the results show that the SWLS is a psychometrically sound measure appropriate for assessing subjective well-being among middle adolescents enrolled in English-medium schools in a collectivist culture.
TL;DR: For instance, this paper developed a scale to assess individual levels of egocentrism as a personality trait that continues to influence behavior into the adult years across different age groups from adolescence to late adulthood.
Abstract: Egocentrism, which has traditionally been studied within a developmental cognitive perspective, has been somewhat overlooked in the personality literature. Accordingly, the purpose of the present investigation was to develop a scale to assess individual levels of egocentrism as a personality trait that continues to influence behavior into the adult years. Across three independent samples (both student and community samples), we provide evidence for the structural, convergent, discriminant, and predictive validity of a newly developed measure of egocentrism that is suitable for measuring egocentrism across different age groups from adolescence to late adulthood. We report considerable evidence for the scale’s convergent and discriminant validity and for its ability to predict one’s likelihood of engaging in a wide range of egocentric behaviors.
In general, the Egocentrism Scale was a better predictor of the behaviorally focused outcome variables than was the most widely used contemporary measure of egocentrism (i.e., the Adolescent Egocentrism Scale).
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explored the similarity/dissimilarity among guilt, shame, and remorse by conducting an empirical study in three phases, i.e., generation of scenarios, development of illustrations and determination of item (scenario) equivalence, and rating of GSR induced by the scenarios.
Abstract: We explored the observed similarity/dissimilarity among guilt, shame, and remorse (GSR) by conducting an empirical study in three phases—(i) generation of scenarios, (ii) development of illustrations and determination of item (scenario) equivalence, and (iii) rating of GSR induced by the scenarios. Ten young adults wrote their life experiences of guilt, shame and remorse, respectively, yielding a total of 34 scenarios. The scenarios were presented to 138 participants, and they were instructed to reflect upon the emotion (GSR) that best suited the scenarios. Principal component analysis indicated that the same scenario induced guilt as well as shame or remorse depending on the valence. Scenarios with positive factor load assessed guilt, whereas shame and remorse had negative factor load. Following an iterative process, the scenarios were converted into illustrations where each scenario was depicted in a storyboard comprising a set of three illustrations. Generalized procrustes analysis was performed to assess item equivalence between the narrations and the corresponding storyboards. Fourteen participants first rated the narratives and then the storyboards after a gap of 24 h. The findings suggest no significant difference between the illustrated scenarios and the narrative, thus leading to 13 scenarios. Multidimensional scaling suggests that the perception of shame and remorse overlaps and this is distinct from guilt.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined whether the marital experience of individuals changes and develops according to various phases in their family unit, specifically those related to their personal, parental and marital practices.
Abstract: Research and interventions have focused on the transition into parenthood and the challenges and consequences surrounding this change. The current study, however, examined whether the marital experience of individuals changes and develops according to various phases in their family unit, specifically those related to their personal, parental and marital practices. The study involved three groups (N = 137): pregnant women expecting their first child (n = 38), mothers with one child (n = 40) and mothers of two children or more (n = 59). These participants answered questionnaires examining their sense of coherence, maternal efficacy, maternal satisfaction and satisfaction with their marital relationship. Results indicated that mothers with one child reported the highest levels of maternal efficacy and maternal satisfaction. Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between maternal efficacy and maternal satisfaction, as well as between maternal satisfaction, coherence and relationship satisfaction. Finally, results indicated that maternal efficacy mediated the link between maternal phases and maternal satisfaction. These findings highlight that the maternal role is a dynamic one, in which the experience of the mother changes and is re-shaped according to the phase in which the family is in. In addition, there are reciprocal influences with the quality of the marital relationship. Future research and clinical implications of the findings are considered.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined inter-group attributions in the context of caste context and found that General Caste category participants showed no intergroup attribution bias, while Scheduled Caste participants showed a pattern of in-group derogation.
Abstract: Research on inter-group attribution and ultimate attribution error has mostly focused on religious and ethnic groups. However, in view of the distinct nature of Indian social structure, this study examined inter-group attributions in caste context. The study was conducted with university students belonging to two caste groups. A total of 95 students participated in the study: 51 from General Caste category and 44 from Scheduled Caste category. Hypothetical situations were used to record attributions made for the success and failure of both in-group and out-group along the dimensions of locus of causality, stability, and controllability. Results indicated that General Caste category participants showed no inter-group attribution bias. Moreover, Scheduled Caste category participants showed a pattern of in-group derogation. These results are explained in terms of role of education and ideology in influencing the inter-group attribution process, suggesting that ultimate attribution error is not universal.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe the development and validation of a new measure tapping into these three categories as well as an overall aggregated dimension of life skills, which holds a solid factor structure.
Abstract: Life psychology is an integrative framework theory centered on how individuals employ their generic life skills in handling everyday life tasks and reaching life goals. Indeed, the theory relates to the accelerating complexity of contemporary globalized societies and how we need generic life skills in order to successfully navigate through a fluid and dynamic context. Within the theory of life psychology, ten life skills have been identified and these are categorized into (1) participation in life, (2) realistic attunement, and (3) perspective taking. The present paper describes the development and validation of a new measure tapping into these three categories as well as an overall aggregated dimension of life skills. Our analyses indicate that the scale holds a solid factor structure. Furthermore, convergent validity was established through the related concepts of self-determination and self-efficacy, and predictive validity was examined in relation to life satisfaction. Our scale holds great implications in regard to developing the empirical foundation for research in the field of life psychology.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explored whether imagining walking in synchrony with in- or out-group members changed majority members' attitudes towards those individuals, and found that walking with minority group members resulted in greater increases in empathy and decreases in negative attitudes.
Abstract: People are prone to dividing others into the categories of ‘us’ and ‘them’. This can be particularly detrimental to minorities who may experience social exclusion, prejudice, and reduced access to equal opportunities. One method of improving intergroup relations is to create opportunities for contact. Common contact interventions have members of different groups meet and engage in conversation. There are also non-verbal embodied intergroup activities that produce the same effects. Previous work has shown that the pro-social effects of coordination may be linked to whether co-actors are classed as in or out-group members. The current study explored whether imagining walking in synchrony with in- or out-group members changed majority members’ attitudes towards those individuals. Imagining walking in synchrony fostered greater increases in empathy and decreases in negative attitudes only towards minority group members following imagined coordination (not in-groups). Implications and future directions are discussed.
TL;DR: In this paper, the mediating role of envy in the relationship between social comparison and academic dishonesty was examined and two subtypes of envy were examined, namely benign and malicious envy.
Abstract: Social comparison is a common method for self-evaluation and self-assessment. However, research of social comparison has pointed it as both beneficial (e.g. motivating) and deleterious (e.g. depressing). In attempt to explain this discrepancy, the present study examines the mediating role of envy in the relationship between social comparison and academic dishonesty. More precisely, two subtypes of envy are examined, namely benign and malicious envy. A total of 500 university students, aged between 18 and 27 years old, participated in this quantitative study. Structural model revealed that malicious envy fully mediates the relationship between social comparison and academic dishonesty, indicating that malicious feeling of envy generated from social comparison might prompt university students to strategize for dishonest acts. Conversely, benign envy generated from social comparison are less likely to prompt university students to such behaviour, signalling for the motivational nature of benign envy. The result highlights the need to distinguish between benign and malicious envy.
TL;DR: The authors investigated the network of relations among domain-specific self-perceptions of competence/adequacy, self-esteem, locus of control, and work value orientations through employing a structural equation modeling approach.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the network of relations among domain-specific self-perceptions of competence/adequacy, self-esteem, locus of control, and work value orientations through employing a structural equation modeling approach. The sample of the study consisted of 510 Greek tertiary education students who completed the Self-Perception Profile for College Students, the Work Values Scale and the Nowicki–Strickland Locus of Control Scale. The results showed that intrinsic orientations appear to be more strongly rooted in the competence and the social domains of self-perception than extrinsic values. Specifically, the three competence (job competence, academic competence, and creativity) and the two social relationships with peers domains (close friendships and social acceptance) had a direct effect on intrinsic work values, with all effects being positive. In contrast, extrinsic values were directly affected by only two specific domains: job competence whose effect was negative and social acceptance which exerted a positive effect on extrinsic values, as it did on intrinsic values. Self-esteem exerted its influence on work value orientations only indirectly via its impact on locus of control, which in turn had an effect on extrinsic values indicating that individuals with a more extrinsic locus of control orientation endorse a more extrinsic work value orientation. The results of the present study can inform, through the proposed model, a better understanding of the differential importance of the domain-specific self-perceptions in shaping work value orientations.