Emotional experiences of ghosting

Although ghosting (i.e., unilaterally ending a relationship by ceasing communication) has only recently entered the lexicon, it is a regularly used form of relationship dissolution. However, little research has examined the emotional experiences of ghosting, particularly the experiences of those on both sides of the ghosting process. In a multi-method study, participants who had both ghosted and been ghosted in previous romantic relationships (N = 80) provided narratives of their experiences and completed questionnaires. The narrative responses were analyzed by coders and by using LIWC. Ghosters and ghostees used similar overall levels of positively and negatively valenced words to describe their experiences, but ghosters were more likely to express guilt and relief, whereas ghostees were more likely to express sadness and hurt feelings. Ghostees also experienced more of a threat to their fundamental needs - control, self-esteem, belongingness, meaningful existence - than ghosters.

Driver Expectations of a Partial Driving Automation System in Relation to Branding and Training

OBJECTIVE

The current study examined whether differences in the branding and description or mode of training materials influence drivers' understanding and expectations of a partial driving automation system.

BACKGROUND

How technology is described might influence consumers' understanding and expectations, even if all information is accurate.

METHOD

Ninety drivers received training about a real partial driving automation system with a fictitious name. Participants were randomly assigned to a branding condition (system named AutonoDrive, training emphasized capabilities; or system named DriveAssist, training emphasized limitations) and training mode (quick-start brochure; video; or in-person demonstration). No safety-critical information was withheld nor deliberately misleading information provided. After training, participants drove a vehicle equipped with the system. Associations of drivers' expectations with branding condition and training mode were assessed using between-subjects comparisons of questionnaire responses obtained pre- and post-drive.

RESULTS

Immediately after training, those who received information emphasizing the system's capabilities had greater expectations of the system's function and crash avoidance capability in a variety of driving scenarios, including many in which the system would not work, as well as greater willingness to utilize the system's workload reduction benefits to take more risks. Most but not all differences persisted after driving the vehicle. Expectations about collision avoidance differed by training mode pre-drive but not post-drive.

CONCLUSION

Training that emphasizes a partial driving automation system's capabilities and downplays its limitations can foster overconfidence.

APPLICATION

Accuracy of technical information does not guarantee understanding; training should provide a balanced view of a system's limitations as well as capabilities.

On the Highway to Hell: Slippery Slope Perceptions in Judgments of Moral Character

Across four studies, we test the hypothesis that people exhibit "slippery slope" thinking in their judgments of moral character-that is, do observers judge that a person who behaves immorally will become increasingly immoral over time? In Study 1, we find that a person who commits an immoral act is judged as more likely to behave immorally and as having a worse character in the future than in the past. In Study 2, we find that it is the commission of an immoral act specifically-rather than merely attempting an immoral act-that drives this slippery slope effect. In Study 3, we demonstrate that observers judge the moral agent as more likely to commit acts of greater severity further in time after the initial immoral act. In Study 4, we find that this effect is driven by an anticipated corrupting of moral character, related to perceptions of the agent's guilt.

Sexual Violence Among Higher Education Students in the United Kingdom: Results from the Oxford Understanding Relationships, Sex, Power, Abuse and Consent Experiences Study

Sexual violence (SV) experienced by higher education students is a prevalent public health problem. Collecting data on SV through self-report surveys in higher education institutions (HEIs) is essential for estimating the scope of the problem, the first step to adequately resourcing and implementing prevention and response programming and policies. However, in the United Kingdom, data is limited. We used data from the cross-sectional Oxford Understanding Relationships, Sex, Power, Abuse and Consent Experiences survey, administered to all students at a university in the United Kingdom in May 2021 (n = 25,820), to estimate the past year prevalence of SV. We analyzed data from respondents who answered at least one question on SV (n = 1,318) and found that 20.5% of respondents experienced at least one act of attempted or forced sexual touching or rape, and 52.7% of respondents experienced at least one act of sexual harassment (SH). We found that women experienced the highest rates of SV. Attempted forced sexual touching was far more common than forced sexual touching, or rape. Sexist remarks or jokes were the most common act of SH. Most acts of SV took place at the university. These findings reveal that the prevalence of SV in HEIs in the United Kingdom could be far higher than what is experienced in the general population. While this study reflects the context in only one institution, it underlines the need for continued monitoring to develop rigorous, evidence-based, and targeted prevention and response strategies.

Clarifying the Relationship Between Information Seeking and Avoidance: Longitudinal Analyses of Information Behaviors and Their Normative Influences

Information seeking and avoidance are relevant behaviors to cope with health crises. While there are various assumptions about their relationship, past research has not yet analyzed their interplay. The present study aims to clarify the relationship between information seeking and avoidance in the course of the COVID-19 pandemic and shed light on whether both behaviors are impacted by seeking- and avoidance-related norms, which are known factors in individuals' health- and risk-related behaviors. Based on a four-wave panel study conducted among German residents (n = 492), we investigated information seeking and avoidance and their normative influences from a longitudinal perspective. Results of random intercept cross-lagged panel models suggest that information seeking and avoidance are distinct, not causally related but correlated concepts. This understanding is supported by the findings that seeking- and avoidance-related norms operate differently for seeking and avoidance. The results add to construct clarification and theory development, but more research is needed to understand the relations between information behaviors.

Living Authentically in the Face of Death: Predictors of Autonomous Motivation Among Individuals Exposed to Chronic Mortality Cues Compared to a Matched Community Sample

Despite research demonstrating positive outcomes of conscious death reflection, very little research directly examines a core proposition of existential psychologists-that death reflection provides an opportunity for more authentic living. The current study compared individuals chronically exposed to genuine mortality cues (funeral/cemetery workers, n = 107) to a matched control sample (n = 121) on autonomous motivation. It also assessed the moderating role of six constructs implicated in growth-oriented processing of death reflection: psychological flexibility, curiosity, neutral death acceptance, death anxiety, approach-oriented coping, and avoidant coping. Funeral/cemetery workers were significantly higher on autonomous motivation, and death-related work was found to have a more positive association with autonomous motivation for those higher on flexibility and lower on death anxiety. This has implications for both understanding which individuals are most likely to experience growth motivations when confronting death, and potential avenues for facilitating these motivations to enhance well-being.

Exploring phenotypic overlap across schizotypy and autism spectrum conditions in American and Chinese young adults

Competing theories have been proposed to explain the considerable overlap in social-cognitive features and risk factors across schizotypy and autism spectrum conditions (ASCs). Six previous factor analyses have been reported in the literature, yet all have major limitations; evidence for the clear superiority of any of the competing theories is insufficient and warrants further investigation. The primary aim of the present research was to identify dimensions that cut across schizotypy and ASCs while addressing limitations of past research. Data were collected from three independent samples (n = 1006, 544, and 2469) in the U.S. and China using the Autism-Spectrum Quotient, the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire, and the Wisconsin Schizotypy Scales. Exploratory factor analyses in Sample 1 identified an interpretable three-factor structure, which was replicated in Samples 2 and 3 using confirmatory factor analyses. We found consistent evidence for three dimensions (Aberrant Salience, Asociality, and Concrete Thinking) underlying schizotypy and ASCs. This three-dimension model is consistent with a common vulnerability model of schizotypy and ASCs. Implications of these findings for the schizotypy and ASCs literature are discussed.

Memory enhancement for emotional words is attributed to both valence and arousal

We do not memorize items in our surroundings with equal priority. Previous literature has widely shown that emotional stimuli are better remembered than neutral stimuli. However, given emotional stimuli and neutral stimuli often differ in both valence and arousal dimensions, it remains unclear whether the enhancement effects can be attributed to valence, or just to arousal. Importantly, most prior studies relied on a relatively small number of stimuli and non-emotional factors such as word length, imageability and other confounds were hard to control. To address these challenges, we analyzed multiple large databases of recognition memory and free recall tasks from previous research by items with many lexical and semantic covariates included, examining the effects of valence or arousal when controlling for each other. Our results showed a U-shaped relationship between valence and memory performance for both recognition and free recall, and a linear relationship between arousal and memory performance for both tasks. These findings showed that the memory enhancement effects can be attributed to both valence and arousal. We demonstrated these effects with generalizability across many stimuli and controlled for non-emotional factors. Together, these findings disentangle the contribution of valence and arousal in emotional memory enhancement effects and provide insights for current major theories of emotional memory.

Internet use, physical activity and depressive symptoms in older adults: A cross-lagged panel analysis

BACKGROUND

Existing cross-sectional studies suggest a strong positive association between Internet use, physical activity, and mental health in older adults; however, longitudinal studies reporting the relationship between Internet use, physical activity, and levels of depressive symptoms in older adults are lacking. This study aimed to examine the bidirectional relationship between Internet use and depressive symptoms in older adults and its underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

We used two waves of follow-up data (2016 and 2018) from the China Family Panel Studies, including 5837 participants aged 60 years or above. The bidirectional relationship between Internet usage time and depressive symptoms was examined using a cross-lagged model. The mediating role of physical exercise was examined using a half-longitudinal mediation model.

RESULTS

The results revealed a bidirectional relationship between Internet use time, frequency of physical activity, and depressive symptoms. Longer Internet use predicted lower levels of depressive symptoms, and the frequency of physical activity mediated the longitudinal relationship between Internet use and depressive symptoms in older adults.

LIMITATIONS

First, our study used self-report-based variables. Second, our study did not obtain the specific timing of the application of various functions of the Internet and the intensity of physical activity among older adults. Finally, based on the availability of data, our study involved only two waves of data. This may not be sufficient for a full longitudinal mediation effect test.

CONCLUSIONS

Internet use and depressive symptoms were interrelated over time among older adults. The frequency of physical activity was a mediator of Internet use and depressive symptoms. This underscores the importance of Internet-based technologies to enable healthy living and prevent depression and loneliness in older adults.

Perceived Social Support, Normalization, and Subjective Well-Being Among Family Members of a Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder

The experience of family members of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is not uniform. This study focused on mothers of a child with ASD (Study 1) and typically developing siblings (TDSs) during their emerging adulthood (Study 2). Similarities and differences were explored regarding a proposed model examining the paths of perceived social support (PSS) and normalization (a coping strategy) with subjective well-being: satisfaction with life (SWL) and positive affect (PA). Similarities were found in the paths between PSS, normalization, and SWL, in mothers and TDSs, but differences emerged regarding PA. These findings highlight the importance of PSS as a resource that contributes to normalization and SWL. Professional awareness of family members' PSS and their engagement in normalization is needed.

Materialism and Problematic Social Network Sites Use Among Chinese Adolescents: The Mediating Role of Self-Esteem and Self-Control

Prior studies have ascertained some risk factors of problematic social network sites use (PSNSU). Nevertheless, few research has examined the potential impact of materialism on PSNSU, as well as underlying mechanisms between this relationship. The present study investigated whether materialism would be linked with adolescents' PSNSU and whether self-esteem and self-control would mediate them. A sample of 1238 Chinese adolescents (53.6% females) completed measurements regarding demographics, materialism, PSNSU, self-esteem, and self-control. After controlling for gender and age, the results indicated that: (a) materialism was positively correlated with PSNSU; (b) materialism can indirectly affect PSNSU through the mediating effects of self-control; and (c) materialism can indirectly affect PSNSU through the sequential mediating role of self-esteem and self-control. These findings not only provide a new perspective for the cultivation of adolescents' values, but also contribute an important driving force for the prevention and intervention of adolescents' PSNSU in the information technology era.

Trajectory of Nostalgia in Emerging Adulthood

We examined the change and stability of nostalgia in emerging adulthood. We followed 327 students through their 4 university years with six assessments. Nostalgia demonstrated moderate rank stability (r = .25-.79). A Trait-State-Occasion model analysis indicated that the stable trait component, slowing-change trait component, and state component explained 37% to 43%, 10% to 27%, and 29% to 49% of variation in nostalgia on specific occasions, respectively. Longitudinal multilevel analysis revealed that the mean nostalgia level declined across university years. Greater intensity of negative life events at the start of university was associated with higher initial nostalgia and slower decline of it, while the emotion intensified when experiencing more negative life events. Nostalgia in emerging adulthood displays moderate stability, with negative life events contributing to the shape of its trajectory.

The Role of Feminism and Gender in Endorsement of Hookup Culture among Emerging Adults

Hookup culture has transformed the sexual behavior of emerging adults. Feminism, a movement that has advocated for liberating women from sexual repression, may be associated with hookup endorsement attitudes. This study explores the associations among multiple dimensions of feminism, gender, and hookup culture endorsement. Participants included 318 emerging adults (46% women; Mage = 22.2 years; 51% White, 27% Asian, 5% Hispanic/Latinx, 9% Black, 1% Middle Eastern, 1% American Indian, 6% Multiracial) from five Anglophone countries (62% U.S., 23% United Kingdom, 9% Canada, 5% Australia, 1% New Zealand), who completed the Feminist Beliefs and Behavior Scale and Endorsement of Hookup Culture Index via an anonymous, online survey. Participants were categorized according to their feminist identity label (feminist, non-feminist) and feminist belief system (hold feminist beliefs, hold non-feminist beliefs). A series of ANCOVAs was conducted, revealing that women who identified as feminist and/or held feminist beliefs reported significantly higher endorsement of hookup culture compared to non-feminist women with non-feminist beliefs. Neither dimension of feminism predicted hookup culture endorsement in men. When comparing feminist-identifying women and men, the gender disparity in hookup culture endorsement was eliminated. Together, these findings highlight how social movements, such as feminism, may be associated with young women's attitudes towards hookups, and may ultimately shape their sexual experiences.

Internalizing and Externalizing Symptoms Moderate the Relationship Between Emotion Dysregulation and Suicide Ideation in Adolescents

The relationship between emotion dysregulation and suicide ideation may depend on the level of internalizing and externalizing symptoms. It was expected that both internalizing and externalizing symptoms would moderate the relationship between emotion dysregulation and suicide ideation, such that greater symptoms would strengthen the relationship between emotion dysregulation and suicide ideation. Adolescent participants (n = 559, Mage = 15.40, 85.0% white, 57.2% female) completed self-report measures that assessed emotion dysregulation, internalizing and externalizing symptoms, and recent suicide ideation. Both internalizing and externalizing symptoms moderated the relationship between emotion dysregulation and suicide ideation; this relationship strengthened as internalizing and externalizing symptoms increased. The results of this study indicate that internalizing and externalizing symptoms may both affect the connection between emotion dysregulation and suicide ideation. Future research should focus on targeting both internalizing and externalizing symptoms in treatment to help reduce emotion dysregulation and suicide ideation in adolescents.

Resilience is an Adverse Event: A Critical Discussion of Resilience Theory in Health Services Research and Public Health

Resilience, the individual trait of being able to persist and cope with, often recurrent, negative experiences, has experienced an explosion in recent years as a topic of study. In this commentary, we critique this surge and problematize the co-occurring development of the "resilience as treatment" paradigm. We show that resilience is an expectation foisted primarily on historically and contemporarily oppressed and excluded populations often in response to systemic and structural forms of discrimination. We argue that this represents a fundamental mismatch of intervention and problem; offering an individual-level solution to a structural toxin. In doing so, we re-contextualize resilience as an adverse event, more analogous to scar tissue than a reliable treatment paradigm. Our essay concludes with offering alternatives to resilience that originate with the holistic trauma and liberation health frameworks. These paradigms are united in that, in contrast to resilience, they emphasize healing from structural violence, rather than adapting to it.

Life experience pathways to college student emotional and mental health: A structural equation model

Objective: Previous research suggests that both adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), positive childhood experiences (PCEs), and current life experiences are associated with emotional wellbeing and mental health. The purpose of this study was to explore the influence of these life experience and coping processes on college student emotional and mental health. Participants: College students (N = 555) were recruited from a large western university. Methods: Participants completed an online cross-sectional survey measuring early and current life experiences, cognitive and emotional coping efforts, and emotional and mental health outcomes. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Results: There was an indirect effect of PCEs on emotional and mental health through cognitive and emotional coping efforts. No association was observed between ACEs and mental health. Conclusions: Increases in PCEs are protective, enhance coping efforts, and strengthen emotional and mental health outcomes among college students.

The Relationship of Parental Personality Disorders with Offspring Eating Disorders at Childhood and Adolescence Age

This study aimed to investigate parents' PDs that could be associated with children and adolescents' EDs. We studied association of parental PDs with offspring EDs in age group 6-18 years in a nationally representative sample of Iranians with 27,111 children and adolescents and their parents. We used a multistage random cluster sampling method. We used Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-Third Edition and Persian present and lifetime version of Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia to measure parental PDs and children and adolescents' EDs, respectively. We used descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression analysis methods to analyze the data. Maternal but not paternal PDs were significantly associated with EDs in offspring. Maternal antisocial, borderline, schizoid, histrionic, and compulsive PDs were significantly associated with EDs in offspring by 32.06, 4.66, 4.32, 3.15, and 1.71 odd ratios, respectively. Of EDs in offspring, anorexia nervosa and binge ED were significantly associated with maternal PDs.

Diurnal variation of cardiac autonomic activity in adolescent non-suicidal self-injury

Heart rate (HR) and vagally mediated heart rate variability (HRV) are two distinct biomarkers of cardiac autonomic activity. Decreased cardiac vagal activity (or decreased HRV) in particular has been linked with impairments in the functional flexibility of the central autonomic network (CAN), resulting in impaired stress and emotion regulatory capacities. Decreased HRV is widely used as trait marker of psychopathology. Repetitive engagement in non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in adolescence correlates with both deficits in stress and emotion regulation, as well as decreased HRV. Existing research has, however, focused on short-term recordings of HR and HRV under resting and phasic conditions. In this study, we examined whether diurnal variation of cardiac autonomic activity, indexed by cosinor parameters of HR and HRV derived from 48 h of ambulatory ECG recording under natural conditions over a weekend, are altered in female adolescents with NSSI disorder compared to controls (HC; N = 30 per study group). Several important confounds, including physical activity, were controlled for. Female adolescents with NSSI show higher rhythm-adjusted 24 h mean levels and greater respective amplitude of HR, as well as lower rhythm-adjusted 24 h mean levels and smaller respective amplitude of HRV. Peak levels in both HR and HRV in the NSSI group were reached approximately 1 h later compared to HC. Severity of exposure to early life maltreatment might be linked with altered amplitudes of 24 h HR and HRV. Diurnal rhythms of cardiac autonomic activity might hold promise as objective indicators of disordered stress and emotion regulation in developmental psychopathology, and as such should be investigated in future studies with rigorous assessment and control of potential confounds.

Patterns and Transitions of Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Outcome Expectancies and Their Associations with Nonsuicidal Self-Injury among Adolescents

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) outcome expectancies (i.e., the expectations that certain outcomes will follow NSSI) have been confirmed to predict NSSI engagement. However, it remains unclear whether adolescents hold different patterns of NSSI outcome expectancies and therefore vary in their risks of NSSI engagement. Moreover, little is known about whether patterns transition over time, influencing the development of NSSI. Additionally, possible gender differences in the patterns and their transitions need to be explored. This study aims to address these research gaps. A total of 679 adolescents (55.8% females; Mage = 15.19, SDage = 1.40) completed questionnaires and were surveyed semiannually for three times. Using latent profile analysis, regular latent transition analysis, and random intercept latent transition analysis, this study identified four patterns of NSSI outcome expectancies: High Affect Regulation and Moderate Negative Expectancies, Low Negative Expectancies, High Negative Expectancies, and High Communication and Negative Expectancies. The first two patterns showed high risks of NSSI, whereas the latter two patterns showed low risks of NSSI. Low Negative Expectancies was an unstable pattern. It had higher probabilities of transitioning to another high-risk pattern than transitioning to the low-risk patterns. The other three patterns had high stability. Gender had no significant effects on the four patterns or their transitions. The findings highlight the combined effects of NSSI outcome expectancies and underscore that NSSI outcome expectancies may change over time. Prevention and interventions targeting multiple factors corresponding to these expectancies should be developed.

Differences in Interpersonal Resources and Risk Factors Among Mothers and Fathers of Children on the Autism Spectrum: A Serial Mediation Model

Mothers and fathers of children on the autism spectrum may differ in their perception of their interpersonal resources and risk factors. Fathers (114) and mothers (507) of children on the autism spectrum participated in the study. Fathers (vs. mothers) reported lower interpersonal resources (interpersonal emotion regulation and perceived support from friends and formal sources, but not family) and higher levels of interpersonal risk factors (social, not emotional, loneliness). A serial mediation model indicated that parents' gender predicted interpersonal emotion regulation which in turn related to parents' social loneliness directly and indirectly through perceived social support. Fathers of children on the autism spectrum may differ from mothers in perceptions of interpersonal resources and risk factors related to parents' social belonging needs.

Pornography Consumption, Sexual Attitude, and Condomless Sex in China

Studies have found that pornography consumption is associated with a higher likelihood of having condomless sex. Past research was primarily conducted with Western populations from developed countries. Consequently, less is known about sexual and reproductive health in developing countries and regions. A national sample of 11,957 university-level students was used to investigate the association between pornography consumption, sexual attitudes, and condomless sex. Our findings suggest that a higher frequency of pornography consumption is associated with an increased likelihood of having condomless sex and more positive attitudes toward premarital sex and one-night stand.

An Examination of the Effects of Job Insecurity on Counterproductive Work Behavior Through Organizational Cynicism: Moderating Roles of Perceived Organizational Support and Quality of Leader-Member Exchange

Job insecurity can trigger cynical attitudes and ultimately lead to harmful behaviors in organizations under the current fast-changing business environment. Drawing on psychological contract theory, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between job insecurity and counterproductive work behavior (CWB) by focusing on the mediating role of organizational cynicism and moderating roles of perceived organizational support (POS) and leader-member exchange (LMX). The data used for the analysis came from a survey that targeted tourism-related industries in South Korea, and 296 responses were finally analyzed. We analyzed reliability, correlation, and mediation, and conducted confirmatory factor analysis, regression analysis, and moderation analysis using SPSS PROCESS macro v. 3.5, with AMOS v. 25.0. The key findings of this study are as follows. First, we found that job insecurity was positively related to CWB. Second, organizational cynicism mediated the relationship between job insecurity and CWB. Third, POS and LMX intensified the negative effects of job insecurity and organizational cynicism, affecting CWB. These results imply that employees with a high level of POS and LMX are likely to have opportunistic behaviors (e.g., abuse, absences, sabotage) by abusing the support and trust from their organizations. The implications for research and practice, limitations, and directions for future research are discussed.

Spontaneous public response to a marauding knife attack on the London underground: Sociality, coordination and a repertoire of actions evidenced by CCTV footage

Across a range of recent terrorist attacks in the United Kingdom, the question of how crowds behave in confined public space is an important concern. Classical theoretical assumptions are that human behaviour in such contexts is relatively uniform, self-interested and pathological. We contest these assumptions by reporting on a study of public response to a marauding knife attack that occurred on London's underground rail network in 2015. The analysis draws primarily upon footage from 27 CCTV cameras positioned across the station footprint supplemented by social media, news footage, radio logs and incident reports. Using an innovative methodology, we topographically and chronologically mapped behaviours during the incident. The analysis demonstrates that while rapid egressions occurred as the threat escalated, at every phase of the incident members of the public intervened spontaneously with coordinated, purposeful, socially oriented actions. This behavioural pattern contrasts with classical assumptions of a chaotic and apathetic crowd in emergencies. We highlight eight complementary categories of actions in the public response that appeared functional for the collective safety of the crowd during the short period before the police arrived. The policy implications for emergency planning, and the methodological innovations involving the use of video data are discussed.

Open-hearted: Preferences for openness in the agreeableness domain

OBJECTIVE

Open objects encourage interactivity and closed objects discourage it. Repeated experiences with open and closed objects are thought to give rise to spatial concepts that can be used to represent a variety of entities such as societies, others, and the self. The present investigation pursues the idea that preferring that which is open to that which is closed is more compatible with an agreeable mode of interacting with others.

METHOD

Three studies (total N = 901) asked participants whether they preferred "open" or "closed" as spatial concepts. Such preferences were linked to variations in agreeableness, peer perceptions, and daily measures of pro-social functioning.

RESULTS

Open-preferring, relative to closed-preferring, individuals scored higher in agreeableness (Study 1) and were rated by peers as interpersonally warmer (Study 2). Open preferences varied within and across persons in a daily diary protocol and, in both cases, higher levels of open preference were linked to higher levels of pro-social feeling (Study 3).

CONCLUSION

The findings point to a fundamental component of spatial orientation that plays a significant role in encouraging (open) or discouraging (closed) warm, interactive relations with others.

Resting Heart Rate Variability and Emotion Dysregulation in Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Emotion dysregulation is common among individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study examined the relationship between emotion dysregulation and resting heart rate variability (HRV), a marker of the autonomic nervous system, in ASD adolescents. Resting HRV data were collected from ASD (n = 23) and typically developing (TD) adolescents (n = 32) via short-term electrocardiogram. Parents/caregivers reported participants' level of emotion dysregulation with the Emotion Dysregulation Inventory (EDI). Controlling for the effects of age and gender, regression analyses revealed moderating effects of group, suggesting that lower resting HRV was more strongly associated with greater emotion dysregulation in ASD than TD adolescents. The results support the view that disruptions in autonomic functioning may contribute to emotion dysregulation in ASD.

Randomized controlled trial of a positive emotion regulation intervention to reduce stress in family caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease: protocol and design for the LEAF 2.0 study

BACKGROUND

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease can be stressful, resulting in poorer emotional and physical health among family caregivers. Although supportive resources for caregivers are available, distance, caregiver health, and the daily demands of caregiving are barriers to access. Based on research demonstrating the importance of positive emotions in coping with stress, our previous trial showed that dementia caregivers who participated in facilitated, web-based delivery of a positive emotion regulation intervention called LEAF (Life Enhancing Activities for Family caregivers) experienced increased positive emotion and decreased depression and anxiety. Building on this evidence, the LEAF 2.0 study aims to test whether web-based, self-guided delivery can confer similar benefits for caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease.

METHODS

This paper presents the design and methods for LEAF 2.0, a 3-arm web-based randomized controlled trial (N = 500) in which family caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) are randomized to (1) the LEAF intervention facilitated remotely via the web (N = 200), (2) the LEAF intervention self-guided online (N = 200), or (3) an emotion reporting control (N = 100), which then crosses over to the intervention after approximately 6 months, half to the facilitated arm and half to the self-guided arm. We aim to (1) compare the effect of the facilitated and self-guided LEAF positive emotion interventions to an emotion reporting control condition on AD caregiver well-being (positive emotion, depression, anxiety, and perceived stress) and secondary outcomes (caregiving burden, caregiving self-efficacy, positive aspects of caregiving, quality of care, and AD patient quality of life); (2) assess whether effects are mediated by improvements in positive emotion or other aspects of caregiver well-being; and (3) test whether caregiver age or gender or the care recipient's dementia severity moderates the effects of the intervention.

DISCUSSION

If demonstrated to be effective, LEAF can be widely disseminated and ultimately have a significant impact on the stress experienced by AD caregivers and the well-being of people living with Alzheimer's disease.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03610698.

Insecure Parental Attachment and Anxiety in Vocational College Students: The Mediating Role of Subjective Well-Being and the Moderating Role of Self-Esteem

Purpose

Although insecure parental attachment (IPA) has been shown to play an important role in anxiety, little is known about the mediating and moderating mechanisms underlying this relationship.

Patients and Methods

In the present study, we examined the mediating role of subjective well-being (SWB) in the association between IPA and anxiety and the moderating role of self-esteem. 947 Chinese vocational college students completed the measures of IPA, anxiety, SWB, and self-esteem.

Results

The results indicated that IPA was significantly and positively associated with anxiety, and SWB partially mediated this relationship. Moreover, the results indicated that self-esteem moderated the relationship between IPA and anxiety. The higher the level of self-esteem, the weaker the effect of insecure attachment on the anxiety of vocational college students.

Conclusion

This study highlights the significance of identifying the mechanisms of mediating and moderating paths between IPA and anxiety in vocational college students.

Temperamental underpinnings of borderline personality disorder and its facets

Temperament is claimed to be the basis for personality; therefore, discovering the temperamental underpinnings of borderline personality disorder and its facets is crucial for understanding this personality disorder. In this article, we explore these underpinnings by using a new model of temperament, based on the Regulative Theory of Temperament, the Big Two of temperament, and the Circumplex of Personality Metatraits. Two studies were conducted on adults-the first was in a general population sample (N = 315) and the second was in a clinical sample (N = 113) in people with a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder. The following measurements were used: The Screening Instrument for Borderline Personality Disorder (SI-Bord), the Five-Factor Borderline Inventory-Short Form (FFBI-SF), and the Temperament Metadimensions Questionnaire (TMQ). General borderline was explained by Reactivity (high Sensitivity) and Activity (high Dynamism). At the facet level, the Borderline Internalizing Facet was mainly explained by Reactivity (high Sensitivity), while the Borderline Externalizing Facet was explained by Activity (high Dynamism) in addition to Reactivity (high Sensitivity). The results of our study revealed specific temperamental underpinnings of borderline and its facets. Reactivity underlies all borderline facets, while Activity differentiates between the Borderline Externalizing Facet and Borderline Internalizing Facet.

Impact of Loneliness on Training Gains with Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback in the Elderly: A Pilot Study

The negative impact of loneliness on the health of the elderly is particularly noticeable because of the effects of central control on the autonomic nervous system. Such an impact can be assessed through heart rate variability (HRV) analysis and can be modified using HRV biofeedback training. This study aimed to investigate the impact of different levels of social interaction reported by the elderly on HRV before and after training with HRV biofeedback and after a follow-up period. The participants of this pilot study comprised 16 elderly people of both sexes with a mean age of 71.20 ± 4.92 years. The participants were divided into two groups, the loneliness group (N = 8) and the no-loneliness group (N = 8), based on a combination of both criteria: the institutionalization condition (institutionalized or not) and the score on the loneliness scale (high or low). All participants had their HRV components recorded at baseline, after 14 training sessions with HRV biofeedback (three times a week, 15 min each for 4.5 weeks), and after 4.5 weeks of follow-up without training. After HRV biofeedback training, HRV components increased in both groups. However, the gains lasted at follow-up only in the no-loneliness group. In conclusion, loneliness can influence the maintenance of HRV after interruption of training with HRV biofeedback in the elderly. HRV biofeedback training can be an innovative and effective tool for complementary treatment of elderly individuals, but its effects on lonely elderly individuals need to be further investigated.

Considering Financial Assets When Promoting Sense of Purpose in Older Adulthood

Sense of purpose, a consistent promoter of successful aging across the lifespan, has been shown in previous research to decline during older adulthood. As such, research is needed to understand how to inform policies around promoting a sense of purpose for older adults, and which adults may need more assistance on this front. One potential mechanism for lower purpose in older adulthood could be due to the more limited financial assets many face following retirement. As such, the current study investigated the cross-sectional associations between different kinds of financial assets and sense of purpose among older adults from the 2006 and 2008 waves of the Health and Retirement Study (n = 9,380). Sense of purpose as well as four financial assets were assessed: physical assets, retirement account assets, investment account assets, and debts. Findings indicated that greater physical assets and retirement account assets predicted a higher sense of purpose, while debt and investment account assets did not. Furthermore, there were no moderating effects of different grouping variables, such as retirement status, race, marital status, subjective health, or wave, on the associations between total net worth and sense of purpose. Findings are discussed regarding why net worth matters for all, and why certain assets may be more important than others when promoting a sense of purpose.

Emotion Regulation Difficulties Moderate the Association Between Typical Drinking and Sexual Assault Victimization Among Sexual and Gender Minority University Students

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) students report higher alcohol consumption, emotion regulation difficulties, and sexual assault victimization severity than cisgender, heterosexual individuals. A sample of 754 undergraduate students completed an online survey assessing alcohol use, emotion regulation, and sexual victimization. Regression analyses indicated that, among SGM students with higher emotion regulation difficulties, typical weekly drinking was positively associated with sexual assault victimization severity, but among cisgender, heterosexual students and SGM students with lower emotion regulation difficulties, there was no association between drinking and victimization severity. Thus, SGM students benefit from interventions targeting alcohol use and emotion regulation difficulties.

The Prediction Model of Non-Suicidal Self-Injury in Psychiatric Patients Using Decision Tree Analysis

PURPOSE

The prevalence rate of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in the clinical population is higher than that in the community sample, necessitating the need to investigate the predicting factors of NSSI in this group. The present study aimed to develop a prediction model of NSSI among psychiatric patients in Korea.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Decision tree analysis was conducted on a sample of 224 psychiatric patients. Emotion regulation strategies (rumination, cognitive reappraisal, and expressive suppression), impulsivity, problematic alcohol use, working memory, depressive mood, and gender were included in the model as predictors of NSSI.

RESULTS

Results indicated that rumination, problematic alcohol use, and working memory predicted lifetime NSSI engagement among psychiatric patients. The best predictor of lifetime NSSI engagement was rumination. Specifically, when the level of rumination was high, the level of working memory was lower, and the risk of NSSI was higher. In the case of low levels of rumination, the higher the level of problematic alcohol use, the higher the risk of NSSI. The highest prevalence of lifetime NSSI engagement was found in a subgroup of patients with high levels of rumination and low levels of working memory.

CONCLUSION

The major contribution of this study is finding a combination of factors to predict the high-risk group of NSSI among psychiatric patients in Korea. This study provides evidence on the effect of rumination, working memory, and problematic alcohol use on NSSI. It is suggested that clinicians and researchers should pay more attention to emotion regulation and related vulnerabilities in preventing and treating NSSI.

Family Environment, Loneliness, Hope, and Subjective Well-Being of Asian Older Adults

The current study examined the interactions between family environment, hope, and loneliness, and their subsequent influence on the subjective well-being (SWB) of 345 noninstitutionalized older adults (aged 60 years and above) in Singapore. Door-to-door surveys information was collected on family environment (cohesiveness, relationship closeness, and support), hope, loneliness, and SWB (life satisfaction, happiness, and absence of negative affect). Structural equation modelling was conducted to test competing hypotheses derived from life stress and integrated resource theories. The results revealed that family environment influenced SWB both directly and indirectly. Family environment decreased loneliness and increased SWB. Additionally, family environment influenced SWB by offering increased hope. Family environment sets the context for the SWB of older adults in Singapore. Families should therefore be targeted for interventions to reduce loneliness, increase psychological resources, and raise SWB during old age.

A self-heuristic inquiry: Unpacking the use of "Decolonization" in therapy and mental health care with and for racialized communities

As a registered psychotherapist and art therapist, my clinical training was primarily based on North American clinical approaches influenced by traditional Euro and western-centric clinical theories of human behavior. I completed my training feeling certain that traditional clinical mental health practices were not an appropriate fit for racialized communities and could have negative implications for their healing and well-being. As clinicians, it is our moral obligation to support and enhance the quality of life for marginalized groups. We can do this by challenging our values and knowledge that have been defined and influenced by structures (i.e., education, training, etc.) embedded in these colonial teachings. For this paper, I used a heuristic self-inquiry research method to investigate these concerns. I interviewed other racialized psychotherapists practicing in Turtle Island (currently mostly occupied by the political entities of Canada and the United States) with the aim to learn how and if decolonization can be used in therapy practice. With this research, I (1) identified a gap in care for racialized communities, (2) questioned if or how a decolonizing approach to care should be considered, (3) explored my discomfort with practitioners in the field that claim their position on decolonizing therapy, practice, and approaches, and lastly (4) propose other ways of knowing that can inform new ways of practicing therapy. The results of this research helped to problematize the language and use of decolonizing therapeutic practices while learning about other concepts that may be relevant yet distinct, such as principles of coloniality/decoloniality. Those of us, therapists or researchers, wanting to disrupt the current practice of therapy need to work together, share knowledge, and challenge each other, so that we can transform the way we practice as psychotherapists. This paper is my contribution to this conversation.

Influence of transient emotional episodes on affective and cognitive theory of mind

Our emotions may influence how we interact with others. Previous studies have shown an important role of emotion induction in generating empathic reactions towards others' affect. However, it remains unclear whether (and to which extent) our own emotions can influence the ability to infer people's mental states, a process associated with Theory of Mind (ToM) and implicated in the representation of both cognitive (e.g. beliefs and intentions) and affective conditions. We engaged 59 participants in two emotion-induction experiments where they saw joyful, neutral and fearful clips. Subsequently, they were asked to infer other individuals' joy, fear (affective ToM) or beliefs (cognitive ToM) from verbal scenarios. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, we found that brain activity in the superior temporal gyrus, precuneus and sensorimotor cortices were modulated by the preceding emotional induction, with lower response when the to-be-inferred emotion was incongruent with the one induced in the observer (affective ToM). Instead, we found no effect of emotion induction on the appraisal of people's beliefs (cognitive ToM). These findings are consistent with embodied accounts of affective ToM, whereby our own emotions alter the engagement of key brain regions for social cognition, depending on the compatibility between one's own and others' affect.

Autonomic reactivity during acute social stress: exploratory investigation of an interaction by threat interpretation bias and emotion regulation difficulties

Objective: This preliminary study examined the interactive influences of interpretation bias and emotion dysregulation in predicting autonomic stress response.Methods: Participants (N = 72 college students; ages 18-25, 70% female, 47% Hispanic/Latinx), completed a performance-based assessment of threat interpretation bias and self-report measures of emotion regulation difficulties. Electrodermal activity (EDA; skin conductance level) was collected while participants completed a standardized psychosocial stressor task.Results: Interpretation bias and emotion regulation difficulties interacted to predict EDA trajectories (β = 0.054, SE = .001, CI:.007, .002, p < .001) during acute stress: presence of either interpretation bias toward threat (β = 6.950, SE = 2.826, CI: 1.407, 12.488, p = .013) or emotion regulation difficulties (β = 9.387, SE = 3.685, CI: 2.141, 16.636, p = .011) was associated with greater reactivity and poorer recovery; presence of both was associated with the lowest resting state EDA and blunted reactivity (β = 1.340, SE = 3.085, CI: -4.721, 7.407, p = .66).Conclusions: Preliminary findings support interpretation bias and emotion regulation difficulties, and their distinct interactive patterns, as predictors of autonomic reactivity trajectories during stress. Interpretation bias modification and emotion regulation skills may be important intervention targets for common psychological conditions that are influenced by aberrant psychophysiological processes.

Identifying abolitionist alignments in community psychology: A path toward transformation

Psychology is grounded in the ethical principles of beneficence and nonmaleficence, that is, "do no harm." Yet many have argued that psychology as a field is attached to carceral systems and ideologies that uphold the prison industrial complex (PIC), including the field of community psychology (CP). There have been recent calls in other areas of psychology to transform the discipline into an abolitionist social science, but this discourse is nascent in CP. This paper uses the semantic device of "algorithms" (e.g., conventions to guide thinking and decision-making) to identify the areas of alignment and misalignment between abolition and CP in the service of moving us toward greater alignment. The authors propose that many in CP are already oriented to abolition because of our values and theories of empowerment, promotion, and systems change; our areas of misalignment between abolition and CP hold the potential to evolve. We conclude with proposing implications for the field of CP, including commitments to the belief that (1) the PIC cannot be reformed, and (2) abolition must be aligned with other transnational liberation efforts (e.g., decolonization).

Introducing Cultural Psychology: An open Approach of Thinking

Cultural Psychology (CP) is a relatively young perspective, growing in the field of social sciences, nevertheless, its ideas are found throughout the fields and its ancestors' -Naturwissenschaften and Philosophy- history. CP has several central notions which are introduced in the following paper. Thru their introduction, the central goal of the revelation of the essence of the idea of CP is proffered. The core idea of CP is a general psychological concept that should be considered as a starting point from where new ideas, innovations and challenging theories can emerge. In other words, a new general psychological perspective we can use as a starting point.

Making Sense of Law: Critical Reflection on Neuroscience, Socialization, and Self

The development of sociotechnical codes by the legal system acts as a marker of good citizens and development of self where social norms matter. In most cases, despite cultural differences, socialization plays an important role in making sense of law. The question is, 'how does law come to mind and what is the role of brain? This question will be dealt keeping the debate on brain determinism and free will critically at the forefront.

Constructing Sexual Victimization: A Thematic Analysis of Reader Responses to A Literary Female-on-Male Rape Story on Goodreads

Τhe aim of this study was to provide a detailed understanding of unprompted audience responses to a literary story of female-on-male rape on Goodreads. Thematic analysis of 429 reviews revealed 5 key themes and 16 sub-themes, which evolved around appraising the social function of the book, evaluating its literary features, assessing the depiction of female-on-male rape especially in terms of its perceived realism, as well as around a variety of explicitly emotional and cognitive responses. The esthetic features of the story proved to be of particular importance for shaping reader engagement. Reflective elaborations on the female rapist were found to constitute a marginal response pattern. Findings identified the existence of an overarching cognitive schema that construes sexual victimization as feminized and is linked to a tripartite pattern of comprehending female on- male rape (female-focused, gender-inclusive, gender-neutral). The study highlights the persistence of gendered rape myths structured around an "ideal victim" - "ideal offender" paradigm, which, however, co-exist with alternative responses oriented toward de-gendering sexual victimization. These findings suggest the importance of addressing audience responses in future investigations of female sexual violence (hands-on and hands-off behaviors) and pursuing an interventional agenda of more inclusive conceptualizations of victimization.

How can plant-enriched natural environments benefit human health: a narrative review of relevant theories

Plant-enriched environments, the most common terrestrial landscapes, are usually coded as "green space" in urban studies. To understand how these natural environments can benefit human health, many theories have been developed, such as the well-known Attention Restoration Theory. Nowadays, more theories are emerging with regard to various and complex health dimensions. In this context, we searched online databases (from 2000 to 2022) and conducted a narrative review aiming to introduce relevant theories concerning psychological (e.g. Perceptual Fluency Account and Conditioned Restoration Theory), physiological (e.g. volatile organic compounds and environmental microbiomes), and behavioural (e.g. physical activity and social contact) perspectives. We also slightly mentioned some limitations and directions to be considered when using these theories. These results may offer general readers insights into the value of nature exposure and also help relevant researchers with study design and result interpretation.

Comparing data quality from an online and in-person lab sample on dynamic theory of mind tasks

Nearly half the published research in psychology is conducted with online samples, but the preponderance of these studies rely primarily on self-report measures. The current study validated data quality from an online sample on a novel, dynamic task by comparing performance between an in-lab and online sample on two dynamic measures of theory of mind-the ability to infer others' mental states. Theory of mind is a cognitively complex construct that has been widely studied across multiple domains of psychology. One task was based on the show The Office®, and has been previously validated by the authors with in-lab samples. The second was a novel task based on the show Nathan for You®, which was selected to account for familiarity effects associated with The Office. Both tasks measured various dimensions of theory of mind (inferring beliefs, understanding motivations, detecting deception, identifying faux pas, and understanding emotions). The in-person lab samples (N = 144 and 177, respectively) completed the tasks between-subject, whereas the online sample (N = 347 from Prolific Academic) completed them within-subject, with order counterbalanced. The online sample's performance across both tasks was reliable (Cronbach's α = .66). For The Office, the in-person sample outperformed the online sample on some types of theory of mind, but this was driven by their greater familiarity with the show. Indeed, for the relatively unfamiliar show Nathan for You, performance did not differ between the two samples. Together, these results suggest that crowdsourcing platforms elicit reliable performance on novel, dynamic, complex tasks.

The Longitudinal Relationships among Casual Sex and Psychological Well-Being in Chinese College Student

This study integrates the important psychological well-being indicators (i.e., life satisfaction, psychological distress, and self-esteem) into a model framework. We used a cross-lagged panel design (CLPD) to examine the bidirectional relationship between casual sex and psychological well-being among Chinese college students. Chinese college students (N = 833) completed self-report measures (i.e., hookup behavior, life satisfaction, psychological distress, and self-esteem) at six-month intervals. The results show that the ratio of college students who reported engaging in at least one hookup experience in the past year or half a year was lower than that of Western college students. We find that college students with hookup behavior had poorer psychological well-being in later six months than those who did not engage in hookup behavior. However, previous psychological well-being did not predict subsequent hookup behavior. We discuss these findings in terms of China's unique sexual culture to provide useful information for preventing and interfering with risky sexual behaviors and their negative consequences among Chinese college students. Specifically, this study could provide students with a more in-depth understanding of associated risks, assisting those engaged in or intending to engage in hookups to evaluate the advantages and drawbacks of such behavior. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of implementing targeted educational programs in China that address the psychological consequences of casual sex.

Prevalence of loneliness and associations with health behaviours and body mass index in 5835 people living with and beyond cancer: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

A cancer diagnosis and its treatment may be an especially isolating experience. Despite evidence that positive health behaviours can improve outcomes for people living with and beyond cancer (LWBC), no studies have examined associations between loneliness and different health behaviours in this population. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of loneliness in a large sample of UK adults LWBC and to explore whether loneliness was associated with multiple health behaviours.

METHODS

Participants were adults (aged ≥ 18 years) diagnosed with breast, prostate or colorectal cancer who completed the Health and Lifestyle After Cancer Survey. Loneliness was reported using the UCLA loneliness score, dichotomised into higher (≥ 6) versus lower (< 6) loneliness. Engagement in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, dietary intake, smoking status, alcohol use, and self-reported height and weight were recorded. Behaviours were coded to reflect meeting or not meeting the World Cancer Research Fund recommendations for people LWBC. Logistic regression analyses explored associations between loneliness and health behaviours. Covariates were age, sex, ethnicity, education, marital status, living situation, cancer type, spread and treatment, time since treatment, time since diagnosis and number of comorbid conditions. Multiple imputation was used to account for missing data.

RESULTS

5835 participants, mean age 67.4 (standard deviation = 11.8) years, completed the survey. 56% were female (n = 3266) and 44% (n = 2553) male, and 48% (n = 2786) were living with or beyond breast cancer, 32% (n = 1839) prostate, and 21% (n = 1210) colorectal. Of 5485 who completed the loneliness scale, 81% (n = 4423) of participants reported lower and 19% (n = 1035) higher loneliness. After adjustment for confounders, those reporting higher levels of loneliness had lower odds of meeting the WCRF recommendations for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (Odds Ratio [OR] 0.78, 95% Confidence Internal [CI], 0.67, 0.97, p =.028), fruit and vegetable intake (OR 0.81, CI 0.67, 1.00, p =.046), and smoking (OR 0.62, 0.46, 0.84, p =.003). No association was observed between loneliness and the other dietary behaviours, alcohol, or body mass index.

CONCLUSIONS

Loneliness is relatively common in people LWBC and may represent an unmet need. People LWBC who experience higher levels of loneliness may need additional support to improve their health behaviours.

Examining the relationship between subtypes of rumination and non-suicidal self-injury: A meta-analytic review

INTRODUCTION

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a highly prevalent maladaptive behavior, often used to cope with intense negative affect. Rumination is an emotion regulation strategy that leads to fixation on and exacerbation of (typically) negative affective states. However, studies examining the relationship between rumination and NSSI have yielded mixed results, showing high degrees of heterogeneity.

METHODS

The present study conducted meta-analyses (k = 50) of the association between overall rumination and NSSI, and independent meta-analyses for each of four subtypes of rumination (general, depressive, brooding, reflection rumination). Potential moderators that may influence the magnitude of these relationships were also examined.

RESULTS

A small-to-moderate positive association between rumination and NSSI was found independent of rumination subtype. Moderating effects included NSSI outcome measure and study design for overall rumination and general rumination, respectively. Race was found to moderate the relationships between both brooding and depressive rumination and NSSI, though in inverse directions. An analysis of effect heterogeneity across studies suggested that undetected moderators may be present.

CONCLUSION

Results of this study support the relationships between rumination subtypes and NSSI and identify factors that may impact these relationships. Continued research is needed to understand this association, particularly in more varied subtypes of rumination and cognitive-affective moderators.

"It's Almost Boring When It Should Be Enjoyable and Fun": College Students' Definitions of Bad Sex

Some of the primary reasons for sexual activities among college students include self-focused motives such as pleasure, along with other-focused motives that facilitate relatedness such as intimacy and emotional connection. However, college students' motivations for sex (or lack thereof) may also be impacted by the meaning they make of their own or peers' experience of "bad sex" - sex that is consensual yet "bad" or "negative" in some way. Therefore, the current study qualitatively explored college students' definitions of "bad sex." A total of 300 college-attending emerging adults (ages 18-25) provided open-ended responses regarding their definition of "bad sex" that is not sexual assault or rape. Using a thematic analytic approach, we identified six main themes on how participants defined what constituted "bad sex": (1) Lack of Pleasure, (2) Negative Outcomes (3) Unmet Expectations, (4) Sexual Violence, (5) Lack of Connection, and (6) Bad Partner. Additionally, the themes were examined based on gender identity, sexual activity status, sexual orientation, and relationship status. Implications for college sex education along with areas of future research with diverse populations and qualitative methodology are discussed.

An Examination of Predictors of Prejudice Against Transgender Individuals

We examined associations between prejudice toward transgender people, aggression proneness, history of family violence, contact and closeness with transgender people, and education about issues that impact transgender individuals. We also examined the moderating effects of contact, education, and closeness on the relations between aggression and history of family violence with prejudice. There were 360 participants (M age = 31.34, SD = 12.47, range 18-75) who completed the survey online. Participants were recruited through social media, websites, and MTurk. Higher levels of aggression proneness were related to higher levels of prejudice. Higher levels of education about issues that impact transgender people and prior contact with a transgender person were associated with less prejudice. In a multiple regression analysis, the strongest predictor of prejudice was education about transgender people and topics. Moderation analyses revealed that prior contact may buffer the effects of aggression proneness on prejudiced beliefs.

A mixed methods experience sampling study of a posttraumatic growth model for addiction recovery

Problematic substance use and addiction is a growing crisis in the United States. As a result, identifying factors that effectively promote addiction recovery is, currently, of particular societal importance. Informed by evidence that-while addiction can be perpetuated by stress-related impulsivity and decreased self-regulation-perceived social support is protective against addiction, we test a model for addiction recovery as a form of posttraumatic growth (PTG), focused specifically on close relationships and personal strength-two domains of PTG. In an initial study, we found that perceived social support and impulsivity predicted number of relapses in individuals in a substance use disorder recovery program. Using experience sampling, we then observed that experiencing a stressful event predicted impulsive behavior. However, experiencing closeness with others-a domain of PTG-was directly associated with perceived social support, and both predicted positive emotional states, which were, in turn, inversely associated with experiencing a stressful event. Further, when experiencing a stressful event, personal strength-also a domain of PTG-was inversely associated with impulsive behavior and was predicted by both perceived social support and positive emotional states. Finally, in a follow-up experiment, we found that an ecological momentary intervention targeting perceived social support decreased impulsivity and increased self-regulation-an aspect of personal strength-in a dose-dependent fashion. Taken together, our findings: (1) support a PTG model for recovery; (2) provide evidence for processes by which close supportive relationships are protective against addiction and relapse; and (3) indicate that self-regulation is responsive to a short in-the-moment perceived social support intervention. We suggest that these findings support the theory that addiction is a social disease in the sense that close personal interactions and supportive relationships: (a) buffer against stress-related impulsivity, thereby protecting against addiction and relapse; and (b) increase personal strength, thereby decreasing the probability of impulsive-including addictive-behavior and promoting recovery.

Evaluating the Implementation of the Individualized Positive Psychosocial Interaction (IPPI) as a Quality Improvement Project in Nursing Homes

OBJECTIVES

The Individualized Positive Psychosocial Interaction (IPPI) is a non-pharmacological, person-centered, intervention for nursing home (NH) residents living with moderate to severe dementia. The purpose of this study was to assess the pragmatic implementation of the IPPI by leveraging Ohio's Nursing Home Quality Improvement Program (QIP).

METHODS

Implementation teams collected resident mood ratings pre- and post-IPPI and completed virtual interviews to assess their Organizational Readiness for Implementing Change as well as the acceptability, feasibility, and appropriateness of the IPPI. Implementation strategies included: providing ongoing consultation; identifying and preparing champions; assessing for readiness and identifying barriers; and developing and distributing effective educational materials.

RESULTS

Fifteen NHs completed the QIP (65% completion rate) and reported high organizational commitment to change and high change efficacy. NHs engaged n = 65 residents in n = 638 IPPIs. Residents experienced a positive mood change after 47% of IPPIs. NHs found the IPPI program to be highly acceptable, feasible, and appropriate.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, 65% of NHs successfully implemented the IPPI QIP with people living with moderate to severe dementia.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Given the positive mood changes and high staff satisfaction, results suggest that these brief, individualized activities can be effective strategies to address the communication of distress among PLWD.

Mechanisms of Self-Control in the Influence of Moral Elevation on Pro-Social Behavior: A Study Based on an Experimental Paradigm

Introduction

Because the mechanisms by which moral elevation triggers an individual's pro-social behavior remain unclear, this study examined the mediating role of self-control resources in the relationship between moral elevation and pro-social behavior.

Methods

Experiment 1 examined the effects of moral elevation on self-control resources using two task paradigms, the Stroop task and the Go/NoGo task, with 80 college students as study participants. Experiment 2 was conducted with an additional 140 college students, using both experimental and questionnaire methods to examine the mediating role of self-control resources in the effects of moral elevation on pro-social behavior.

Results

(1) The results of Experiment 1 showed that the self-control ability of the moral elevation induction group was significantly better than that of the non-induction group. The accuracy rate of self-control tasks in the induction group (0.94 ± 0.01) was significantly higher than that in the non-induction group (0.89 ± 0.01, F(1,79)=19.10, p <0.001, η2=0.50). The mean reaction time of the self-control tasks in the induction group (393.63 ± 3.5) was significantly lower than that in the non-induction group (415.38 ±7.30, F(1,79)=5.87, p =0.026, η2=0.24). (2) The results of Experiment 2 showed a significant positive correlation between moral elevation and self-control resources (r=0.46, p<0.001), a significant positive correlation between moral elevation and pro-social behavior (r=0.33, p<0.001), and a significant positive correlation between self-control resources and pro-social behavior (r=0.31, p<0.001). Not only did moral elevation significantly and positively predict pro-social behavior (β= 0.23, p=0.011), but it also significantly and positively predicted self-control resources (β= 0.46, p<0.001). Self-control resources significantly and positively predicted pro-social behavior (β= 0.20, p=0.025). The bootstrap test for the mediating effect of self-control resources showed that the upper and lower limits of the 95% confidence interval did not include 0 (indirect effect 0.09, 95% CI [0.023, 0.242], p<0.001), and the mediating effect accounted for 28.13%.

Conclusion

This study revealed the mediating role of self-control resources in the relationship between moral elevation and pro-social behavior, which has important theoretical and practical implications for cultivating pro-social behavior and moral education among college students.