The role of positive emotions in positive psychology. The broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions

Family Socioeconomic Status and Adolescents' Academic Shame: The Chain Mediator Effect of Self-Control and Gratitude

Academic shame has been found to interfere with motivation and, in turn, affect students' academic goals and achievements. This study explored the factors that influence academic shame and the underlying mechanisms among high school students by investigating the influence of family socioeconomic status on academic shame and the mediating roles of self-control and gratitude. A total of 957 high school students participated in this study and completed the Family Socioeconomic Status Questionnaire, Self-Control Scale, Adolescents' Gratitude Scale, and Academic Shame Scale. Descriptive statistics consisted of means and standard deviations. Pearson's correlations were used to test the strength of relationships among the research variables. A structural equation model was constructed, and the significance of the mediating effects was tested by percentile bootstrap analysis with deviation correction. The results showed that family socioeconomic status was positively correlated with self-control and negatively correlated with academic shame; self-control was positively correlated with gratitude and negatively correlated with academic shame; and gratitude was positively correlated with academic shame. Self-control played a mediating role between family socioeconomic status and academic shame, and self-control and gratitude played a chain mediating role between family socioeconomic status and academic shame. The mediating effect was a masking effect. Therefore, family socioeconomic status directly and negatively affected academic shame among senior high school students, and indirectly affected their academic shame through self-control and gratitude.

Evaluating the reliability and validity of the Questionnaire on Well-Being: a validation study for a clinically informed measurement of subjective well-being

Researchers and clinicians are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of assessing positive functioning to inform clinical outcomes. This paper evaluates the Questionnaire on Well-Being (QWB, available for free https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/GSC3R), a clinically informed instrument that assesses subjective well-being, across two studies. Study One, consisting of treatment-seeking individuals in an assertiveness training sample (n = 495), explored the factorial structure of the QWB, assessed the four-week test-retest reliability, criterion-related validity, and identified a preliminary cutoff point for the QWB with clinical significance. Study Two, including participants from the general public (n = 1561), confirmed the factorial structure of the QWB and further evaluated criterion-related validity. The results provided support for a unidimensional structure for the QWB. Furthermore, the QWB exhibited excellent internal reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.93 and 0.94 in Study One and Two, respectively), high test-retest reliability (ICC3 = .50 at a four-week follow-up in Study One), and appropriate criterion-related validity demonstrating positive correlations with positive affect and negative correlations with psychopathology. Finally, a cutoff point on the QWB below 50 was associated with marked psychopathology. These findings provide preliminary support for the usage of the QWB in clinical and non-clinical settings, establishing the QWB as a reliable indicator of subjective well-being.

Longitudinal relations among online social activities, peer relationship problems, and well-being in children: The moderating effect of extraversion

Prior research has predominantly examined the relations between online social activities (OSA) and mental health among adolescents and adults, with comparatively less emphasis placed on children, particularly concerning positive indicators of subjective health, such as well-being. The relations between OSA and well-being are likely intricate and necessitate meticulously designed methodologies to investigate the associations and their underlying mechanisms. This longitudinal study employed the random intercept cross-lagged panel models to explore the dynamic relations between OSA and well-being, considering peer relationship problems as a potential mediator and extraversion as a moderator of the associations, while distinguishing between- and within-person effects. A total of 2,300 Chinese children (56.1% boys, Mage = 9.49, SD = 0.56) completed four measurements over a two-year period. The results indicated that: (a) OSA negatively predicted well-being, but not vice versa; (b) peer relationship problems mediated the relations from OSA to well-being; and (c) extraversion served as a moderator of the associations, with notable differences between extraverted and introverted children. These findings provide valuable insights for developing targeted guidance for children's Internet use to enhance their general well-being.

Bidirectional relationship between self-compassion and psychological richness: A two-wave longitudinal study

Previous research has found that self-compassion enhances well-being outcomes such as happiness and meaning in life. However, little is known about the link between self-compassion and psychological richness, a recently introduced concept of well-being. Thus, an exploration of the relationship between self-compassion and psychological richness is necessary to gain a comprehensive understanding of the association between self-compassion and well-being. To address this issue, this study investigated the temporal directionality of their relationship within a cohort of Chinese college students, utilizing a two-wave longitudinal approach. Using a cross-lagged model, the results revealed that the self-compassion could predict psychological richness 3 months later, and conversely, psychological richness could also predict subsequent self-compassion. This research provides new insights into the bidirectional relationship between self-compassion and psychological richness, broadening our understanding of the association between self-compassion and well-being. Future interventions should focus on the important effect of self-compassion interventions in the development of psychological richness. In addition, future research could consider interventions on increasing psychological richness to improve the level of self-compassion among college students.

Resilience and coping: a qualitative analysis of cognitive and behavioral factors in adults with osteogenesis Imperfecta

PURPOSE

The aim of this qualitative study was to investigate resilience among adults with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 adults with OI. Transcripts were coded and subsequently abstracted, yielding themes specific to resilience and coping. Interview guides covered broad topics including pain challenges specific to OI, mental health issues related to OI, and priorities for future interventions for individuals with OI.

RESULTS

Participants described resilience in the context of OI as the ability to grow from adversity, adapt to challenges resulting from OI-related injuries, and find identities apart from their condition. Psychological coping strategies included acceptance, self-efficacy, cognitive reframing, perspective-taking, and positivity. Behavioral factors that helped participants develop resilience included developing new skills, pursuing meaningful goals, practicing spirituality, and seeking external resources such as psychotherapy, education, and connection with community.

CONCLUSION

Having identified how adults with OI define resilience and the strategies they use to cope, we can now develop interventions and guide healthcare providers in improving psychological wellbeing in this population.

Optimization of a digital health intervention to enhance well-being among adolescent and young adult cancer survivors: Design and methods of the EMPOWER full factorial trial

Adolescent and young adult cancer survivors (AYAs) experience clinically significant distress and have limited access to supportive care services. Interventions to enhance psychological well-being have improved positive affect and reduced depression in clinical and healthy populations and have not been routinely tested in AYA survivors. We are optimizing a web-based positive skills intervention for AYA cancer survivors called Enhancing Management of Psychological Outcomes With Emotion Regulation (EMPOWER) by: (1) determining which intervention components have the strongest effects on well-being and (2) identifying demographic and individual difference variables that mediate and moderate EMPOWER's efficacy. EMPOWER is a five-session online intervention that teaches behavioral and cognitive skills for increasing psychological well-being. Guided by the Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST), we assign two levels (yes, no) to each of five intervention components (positive events, capitalizing, & gratitude; mindfulness; positive reappraisal; personal strengths & goal-setting; acts of kindness), allowing us to evaluate the effects of individual and combined intervention components on positive affect in a full factorial design. Post-treatment AYA cancer survivors (N = 352) are recruited from participating NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers and randomized to one of 32 experimental conditions. Our primary outcome is positive affect; potential mediating and moderating variables include coping self-efficacy and emotional support, respectively. Upon trial completion, we will have an optimized, digital health intervention to enhance psychological well-being among AYA cancer survivors. EMPOWER will be scalable and primed for a large, multi-site trial among AYAs who would otherwise not have access to supportive care interventions to manage distress and enhance well-being.

Assessing alexithymia in chronic pain: psychometric properties of the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 and Perth Alexithymia Questionnaire

Introduction

Alexithymia is elevated in chronic pain and relates to poor pain-related outcomes. However, despite concerns from other clinical populations, the psychometric properties of alexithymia measures have not been rigorously established in chronic pain.

Objective

This study examined the psychometric properties of the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 Item (TAS-20) and the Perth Alexithymia Questionnaire (PAQ) in adults with chronic pain.

Methods

An online sample of adults with chronic pain across the United States (N = 1453) completed the TAS-20, PAQ, and related questionnaires at baseline, 3-month follow-up, and 12-month follow-up.

Results

Both measures showed good temporal stability, convergent validity (with emotion regulation scores), divergent validity (with depression and anxiety scores), and criterion validity. Some concerns were raised about the TAS-20: the original 3-factor structure showed a poor model fit; the Externally Oriented Thinking subscale of the TAS-20 had poor factor loadings and unacceptable internal consistency; and, we identified several TAS-20 items that may slightly inflate the predictive validity of the TAS-20 on pain-related outcomes. The original 5-factor structure of the PAQ showed a good fit; each PAQ subscale had good factor loadings and excellent internal consistency.

Conclusions

Both the TAS-20 and PAQ had psychometric strengths. Our data raised some concern for the use of TAS-20 subscales; the PAQ may be a psychometrically stronger option, particularly for investigators interested in alexithymia subscale analysis in people with chronic pain.

Implicit Theories of Happiness: When Happiness Is Viewed as Changeable, Happy People Are Perceived Much More Positively Than Unhappy People

Happy people are often perceived positively, perhaps more than they actually are, whereas unhappy people are often perceived negatively, perhaps more than they actually are. What would make this bias stronger or weaker? The present research addresses this question by exploring the roles of implicit theories of happiness in the trait perceptions toward happy and unhappy people. Specifically, four studies (N = 998) tested hypotheses that an incremental theory of happiness would enhance and an entity theory of happiness would attenuate the trait perceptions favoring happy over unhappy people. Results found converging evidence that believing happiness as changeable (incremental theory) enhances the positive perceptions toward happy people, while providing less consistent evidence that believing happiness as fixed (entity theory) mitigates the negative perceptions toward unhappy people. The current research contributes to the literature on essentialism and advances the understanding of the roles of implicit theories of happiness in person perception.

Brain Wave Oscillations as an Objective Neurophysiological Biomarker of Homeopathic Subjective Well-Being

BACKGROUND

 Homeopathy uses the "similitude principle" to arouse a therapeutic reaction in the body against its own disorders. For this to occur optimally, the medicinal pathogenetic effects must present similarity with the totality of the individual's symptoms. To assess if this similarity has been successfully achieved, Hahnemann states that "improvement in the disposition and mind"-i.e., subjective well-being-is the most important parameter to consider.

AIM

 Our aim was to perform a narrative review of the literature, exploring what is known about subjective well-being as a marker of therapeutic action, and to formulate ways in which subjective well-being might be quantifiable and applied in future homeopathy research.

RESULTS

 The concept of subjective well-being has been extensively studied in the complementary and conventional medical literature. Improved well-being has been observed in clinical trials, including those in the fields of positive psychology and meditation. Positive subjective outcomes of this nature are supported by objective evidence through associated changes in brain oscillatory activity using electroencephalography and/or "brain mapping" by functional magnetic resonance imaging. Neurophysiological responses in the brain have been identified in subjects after they ingested a homeopathic medicine.

CONCLUSIONS

 The concept of subjective well-being is supported by a body of literature and is a measurable entity. When viewed from the perspective of electrophysiological changes, brain activity is an objective neurophysiological biomarker with a potential to quantify individual well-being in the context of homeopathy research.

Affective Responsivity to Daily Stressors is Amplified in Young Females

Despite mounting evidence that young adults experience greater exposure and affective responsivity to daily stressors than middle-aged and older adults, few studies have examined potential sex differences in these daily stress processes in young adults. We tested the hypotheses that young women would experience (1) a greater percentage of days with at least one daily stressor event and (2) exaggerated negative and positive affective responsivity to daily stressors compared to young men. Young adults ( n = 215) completed a daily web-based interview for eight consecutive days to assess multiple dynamic aspects of daily stress processes. Women experienced a greater frequency of daily stressor days. Further, the magnitude of the difference in both negative and positive affect between stressor-free and stressor days were greater in young women compared to young men. Greater exposure and amplified affective responsivity to daily stressors may potentially contribute to increased susceptibility to adverse psychological outcomes in young women.

Research on the network structure and gender/age differences of psychological safety among urban residents: network analysis based on a large sample

BACKGROUND

Psychological safety as the key to mental health, not only affects individual happiness and quality of life but also relates to social stability and harmony. However, psychological safety is complex and multidimensional, with unclear internal structures and influencing factors and insufficient research on gender and age differences. Urban residents are living in an environment characterized by fast-paced, high-pressure, multicultural integration, and complex social relationships. Therefore, in-depth exploration of its core dimensions and network structure is crucial for formulating effective mental health strategies and enhancing residents' sense of psychological safety.

METHODS

A survey was conducted on 9,282 urban residents using the Psychological Safety Scale. Using R version 4.3.2 for network estimation, centrality estimation, accuracy and stability estimation, and network comparison.

RESULTS

The results found that the strength centrality index of the general sense of safety dimension is always the highest in the total network and networks of different genders and ages. The network comparison results show that there are significant gender and age differences in the dimensions/item networks of psychological safety. There are connections between trust and relaxation, excitement, and calmness in the dimension network of male samples, while there are no such connections in the dimension network of female samples. The general sense of safety and relaxation connection strength on the male dimension network is significantly stronger than that on the female dimension. In the dimension network of the youth sample, the strength of the connection between calmness and relaxation, trust and relaxation were significantly stronger than those of the middle-age sample, while the strength of the connection between relaxation and excitement was significantly weaker than that of the middle-age sample.

CONCLUSION

Researchers should fully consider gender and age factors and adopt more personalized and differentiated strategies for promoting individual psychological safety.

Do social relationships at work enhance creativity and innovative behavior? Role of psychological safety

The study uses social exchange theory to examine how social relationships affect individual involvement in creativity at work and innovative behavior, mediated by psychological safety. The study disentangles the social relationships at work as informal and formal relationships in terms of two plausible theoretical variables, workplace friendliness and perceived affective climate respectively, for the above purpose. Over a period of three-months, data collection was conducted in the IT and ITeS industry, with a sample of 515 participants and 105 team leads, using a two-pronged approach involving data from both team leads and their subordinates. The findings indicate a positive association between workplace friendliness (informal) as well as perceived affective climate (formal), and employee involvement in creativity with psychological safety as mediator, further leading to innovative behavior. The study suggests that fostering a positive, conducive formal work environment and workplace friendships can enhance employees' psychological safety, which enables them to put their creative ideas into action, which can help organizations get a competitive edge by finding novel ways of solving business challenges.

Moderating role of age in the relationship between ingroup range and intention to help during the COVID-19 pandemic

This study explored the relationship between the ingroup range of individuals and their willingness to assist various social groups during the COVID-19 pandemic and whether or not age moderates this relationship. A total of 291 South Koreans (Mage = 31.91 years, SD = 11.99) participated in an online survey and provided data on ingroup range, intention to provide help, and age. The results demonstrated that individuals with a broader ingroup range displayed a stronger willingness to distribute quarantine supplies for COVID-19 across diverse social groups (β = .12, p < .05). This finding aligned with the ingroup bias phenomenon, in which individuals tend to favor one's group. Importantly, age moderated the association between ingroup range and willingness to help (B = -.19, p < .05). Specifically, the intention of younger individuals (θX → Y|(M = -11.985) = 4.40, CI = 1.79-7.01) and middle-aged individuals (θX → Y|(M = .000) = 2.14, CI = .31-3.98) to assist diverse social groups significantly varied according to their ingroup range, whereas no such relationship existed among older individuals (θX → Y|(M = 11.985) = -.11, CI = -2.64-2.42). We provided an in-depth discussion into the potential reasons that underlie the stronger willingness of older individuals to extend aid beyond their ingroup range during the pandemic compared with those of younger individuals. We then suggested strategies for encouraging acts of prosociality during crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which particularly emphasize the pattern observed in younger participants with a narrow ingroup range.

Understanding mental health in older adults: exploring the interplay of wisdom, perceived poor health, and attitudes toward aging

OBJECTIVES

Late adulthood is marked by challenges that impact well-being. While perceived health, wisdom, and positive attitudes toward aging correlate with better mental health in later life, their interrelations are not well understood. This study explored if three-dimensional wisdom could buffer the negative impact of poor physical health on mental health, and if positive attitudes toward aging mediated the effects of wisdom and poor health on mental health.

METHOD

A survey of 500 Polish older adults aged 60-86 included the Personal Wellbeing Index, Geriatric Depression Scale, Three-Dimensional Wisdom Scale, Attitudes to Aging Questionnaire, perceived health, and sociodemographic questions.

RESULTS

Wisdom buffered the negative association between poor physical health on mental health and had a significantly stronger effect on mental health if perceived physical health was very poor. The relations of wisdom, poor health, and the interaction between wisdom and poor health on mental health were partially mediated by attitudes toward aging.

CONCLUSION

Wisdom seems to mitigate the negative effects of poor health on mental health, and wise older adults tend to have more positive attitudes toward aging, leading to better mental health outcomes. Those findings support the important role played by wisdom and attitudes toward aging in healthy aging interventions.

Investigating the relationship between goal orientation, self-efficacy, positive emotionality, and affective engagement among Chinese students

This study delved into the complex interplay between self-efficacy, achievement goals, positive emotions, and affective engagement among university students in China. To achieve this, a stratified random sampling technique was employed, resulting in a sample of 391 students from four geographically distinct universities across China. The data collection relied on self-reported questionnaires that measured academic self-efficacy, goal orientation (specifically focusing on mastery versus performance goals), positive emotions, and various aspects of affective engagement, including enjoyment, satisfaction, and interest in learning. Structural equation modeling (SEM) served as the primary statistical tool to analyze the hypothesized relationships between these variables. The analysis revealed a network of positive associations, indicating that students with higher levels of self-efficacy and positive emotionality reported experiencing greater affective engagement in their academic pursuits. Furthermore, a stronger mastery goal orientation was associated with increased enjoyment, satisfaction, and interest in learning. Self-efficacy and positive emotionality also indirectly influenced affective engagement through goal orientation, suggesting that students with higher self-belief and positive emotions were more likely to adopt mastery goals, leading to more positive learning experiences. This study highlights the importance of self-efficacy, positive emotionality, and goal orientation in shaping students' affective engagement. By fostering these factors, educators can create more positive and engaging learning environments for university students.

Longitudinal Associations Between Sleep Disturbance Trajectories and Internet Gaming Disorder Mediated by Self-Control: A Six-Wave Longitudinal Investigation

Objective

The present study aims to analyze the heterogeneous trajectories of sleep disturbance (SD) among college students and to examine whether self-control mediates the association between sleep disturbance trajectories and Internet gaming disorder (IGD).

Methods

A total of 4352 students were initially invited to participate, and 4191 (M age = 19.12, SD = 0.98; 46.9% females) students were included as valid respondents at the first time-point. This study spanned six waves (from 2019 to 2022) with a six-month interval between each wave. Sleep disturbance was measured from Time 1 to Time 4, self-control was measured at Time 5, and Internet gaming disorder was measured at Time 6. Growth mixture modeling (GMM) was applied to identify latent classes of sleep disturbance over the four waves. Mediation analysis was conducted to examine the mediating role of self-control between sleep disturbance trajectories and IGD.

Results

The results of growth mixture modelling yielded a four-class solution for sleep disturbance: a stable-low group, an increasing group, a decreasing group, and a stable-high group. Additionally, the results of mediation models showed that increased sleep disturbance is associated with a higher likelihood of individuals becoming more addicted to Internet games due to decreased self-control. Conversely, improved sleep quality may decrease the likelihood of engaging in Internet games via by promoting higher levels of self-control.

Conclusion

Future prevention and intervention programs targeted at improving self-control may decrease the possibility of developing IGD.

From Stigma to Strength? The Interrelations Between Sexual Identity Stigma, Well-Being, and Accepting Communities on Instagram Amongst Sexual Minority Youth

INTRODUCTION

Initial evidence suggests that engaging with accepting communities on social media such as Instagram may inform sexual minority youths' sense of stigma and well-being. However, as existing research has predominately drawn upon cross-sectional or qualitative designs, it is currently unclear whether the positive experiences identified in previous research accumulate, endure, or evolve over time. We also know relatively little about whether engagement with accepting online communities is primarily a compensatory or enhancing behavior. Thus, drawing upon minority stress theory and broaden-and-build theory, this study explores the longitudinal reciprocal relationships between perceived stigma, well-being, and engagement with accepting Instagram communities.

METHOD

Three-wave panel data were collected from 460 sexual minority youth in the United States and Poland (M age = 18.58, SD = 1.64), and data were analyzed using a random intercept cross-lagged panel model.

RESULTS

At the between-person level, engagement with accepting Instagram communities was positively associated with perceived stigma and negatively associated with well-being. No significant within-person associations emerged between perceived stigma and engagement with accepting Instagram networks. However, a positive reciprocal relationship was found between well-being and engagement with accepting Instagram communities. Cultural context had no moderating effect on the hypothesized model.

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest that whilst the interrelations between perceived stigma and engaging with accepting online networks may be short-lived, engaging with supportive Instagram communities may contribute to an upward spiral of positive emotions. Findings therefore extend the existing literature regarding the potential benefits of social media use amongst sexual minority youth.

Behind the "emotional exhaustion" of physical education teachers: A chain mediation model

This study investigates the impact mechanism of person-organization and person-job fit on their emotional well-being, using a sample of 1128 primary, middle, and high school physical education teachers in China. Additionally, it verifies the chain mediation effects of compassion satisfaction, job burnout, and secondary traumatic stress within this impact mechanism. The results indicate that the person-organization fit and person-job fit significantly affects compassion satisfaction. In turn, compassion satisfaction impacts emotional well-being, secondary traumatic stress, and job burnout. Both job burnout and secondary traumatic stress significantly influence emotional well-being. Compassion satisfaction alone mediates these effects, and together with job burnout and secondary traumatic stress, it forms a chain mediation effect. Finally, this study provides substantive suggestions for the society to pay attention to the emotional well-being of physical education teachers and strive to create a fairer and more valuable work environment.

The relationship between social safeness and pleasure and resilience levels among university athletes: A descriptive study

This study investigates the correlation between social safeness and pleasure and resilience among university students engaged in sports. A total of 350 participants (mean age, 21.09 ± 3.12 years), comprising 239 females and 111 males, were included in the sample. Data collection utilized the "Social Safeness and Pleasure and Resilience Scales". Normality of data was assessed using skewness and kurtosis tests, confirming normal distribution. Pairwise comparisons were conducted using t-tests, multiple comparisons via one-way ANOVA, and relationship analysis employed Pearson Product Moment Correlation. Findings indicate participants scored above mid-level on the social safeness and pleasure scale (Mean = 2.6), and resilience scale (Mean = 3.7). Specifically, social support dimension mean score was above mid-level (Mean = 4.01), emotional coping (Mean = 3.4), and situational coping (Mean = 3.8). Pearson Product Moment Correlation revealed a statistically significant positive relationship between social safeness and pleasure scale scores and resilience scale scores (r = .652, p < .001). This descriptive study sheds light on the interplay between social and emotional factors and resilience among university athletes.

Perceived stress and academic procrastination among higher vocational nursing students: the mediating roles of positive and negative emotions

BACKGROUND

Academic procrastination is particularly prevalent among higher vocational nursing students, a key component of the nursing workforce, and is closely associated with poor academic performance and a decline in clinical practice quality. While perceived stress and emotions are known significant predictors, the mechanisms through which they influence academic procrastination remain unclear. Thus, this study aimed to explore the mediating roles of positive and negative emotions in the relationship between perceived stress and academic procrastination among higher vocational nursing students.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1308 higher vocational nursing students from June to July 2023 in Hebei Province, China. The participants were recruited by convenient sampling to complete a sociodemographic and academic related information questionnaire, Perceived Stress Scales, Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, and Academic Procrastination Questionnaire for College Students. Then, the data were analysed by SPSS 26.0 and a multiple mediation model was tested using Hayes' PROCESS macro (Model 4). A mediation effect was considered statistically significant if the 95% confidence interval did not contain zero.

RESULTS

The mean score of academic procrastination was 50.4 (12.6), with 82.0% of nursing students reporting academic procrastination. A significant positive correlation was observed between perceived stress, negative emotions and academic procrastination (r = 0.442, r = 0.376, all P < 0.001). Conversely, a significant positive correlation was found between positive emotions and academic procrastination (r=-0.299, P < 0.001). Subsequent mediation analysis demonstrated that positive emotions and negative emotions partially mediated the correlation of perceived stress with academic procrastination (total indirect effect: Standardized β = 0.193, 95% CI [0.142, 0.247]). The direct effect was 0.252, and the mediating effect accounts for 43.4% of the total effect.

CONCLUSIONS

Positive and negative emotions act as partial mediators in the correlation between perceived stress and academic procrastination among higher vocational college nursing students. It is crucial for nurse educators to foster positive emotional experiences and alleviate negative emotions through strategies such as effective stress management and mindfulness practices, in order to mitigate academic procrastination.

LIMITATIONS

As a cross-sectional study, it cannot establish causal relationships between perceived stress, positive and negative emotions, and academic procrastination.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER

Not applicable.

The emotions of Chinese netizens toward the opening-up policies for COVID-19: panic, trust, and acceptance

With the development of social media platforms such as Weibo, they have provided a broad platform for the expression of public sentiments during the pandemic. This study aims to explore the emotional attitudes of Chinese netizens toward the COVID-19 opening-up policies and their related thematic characteristics. Using Python, 145,851 texts were collected from the Weibo platform. Sentiment analysis and topic modeling techniques were employed to reveal the distribution of public emotions and key themes. The study found that the proportions of emotions were as follows: Good (46%), Happy (11%), Anger (17%), Disgust (6%), Sadness (10%), Surprise (2%), and Fear (8%). Through topic analysis, the following main themes were identified: medical resource shortages, healthcare workers, national policies, and COVID-19 sequelae. Based on the results of sentiment and topic analysis, public emotions toward the COVID-19 opening-up policies were categorized into three dimensions: panic, trust, and acceptance. Panic was primarily associated with medical resource shortages, concerns about COVID-19 sequelae, and doubts about policy transparency and fairness. Trust was reflected in public gratitude toward healthcare workers and support for national policies. Acceptance represented the public's optimism about returning to normal life. The findings demonstrate that changes in public emotions not only reflect the social impact of policy implementation but also highlight the critical roles of medical resource allocation, information transparency, and psychological health support in adjusting pandemic policies. This study provides empirical evidence and theoretical support for the government to develop more precise pandemic control strategies.

Trajectories of Resilience-Related Traits and Their Impact on Health Outcomes in Schizophrenia: Results From a 4-Year Longitudinal Study

BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS

For the rapidly growing population of older people living with schizophrenia (PLWS), psychological resilience, or the capacity to adapt to adversity, is an understudied target for improving health. Little is known about resilience and its longitudinal impact on outcomes among PLWS. This study assesses trajectories of resilience-related traits in PLWS and a nonpsychiatric comparison group (NCs) and longitudinal interactions between resilience and health.

STUDY DESIGN

This sample included 166 PLWS and 155 NCs (mean age 48 years, 52% women), with a 4.1-year mean follow-up time. The groups were comparable in age, sex, and follow-up time. We assessed resilience-related traits, physical well-being, obesity, hyperglycemia, positive symptoms, and negative symptoms. We conducted linear mixed-effects models to examine linear trends over time and continuous-time structural equation models (CTSEM) to assess the longitudinal relationships (cross-lagged effects between resilience and health).

STUDY RESULTS

People living with schizophrenia had lower resilience levels, compared with NCs. While resilience was stable over time for White individuals, younger non-White individuals with less education had increases in resilience over time. We found bidirectional 1-year cross-lagged effects of resilience with physical well-being and obesity, but not with hyperglycemia. Among PLWS, there were 1-year cross-lagged effects of resilience with both positive symptoms and negative symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings highlight the importance of resilience and its link to physical and mental health over time. Resilience may be a key protective factor in aging among PLWS, and the potential to improve resilience is an important and understudied approach for improving outcomes for older PLWS.

Indirect Multicultural Experiences: A Multidimensional Journey to Inspire Self-Change

Self-change is crucial for driving both individual growth and societal progress. Based on schema theory, this study proposes that indirect multicultural experiences may be an effective pathway to promote self-change, with positive emotions and meaning seeking serving as mediators, and social class as a moderator. To test this hypothesis, an online survey was conducted with 1627 participants aged 18-55 years, using scales to assess indirect multicultural experiences, self-change, positive emotions, meaning seeking, and both subjective and objective social classes. The results indicated that indirect multicultural experiences promote self-change not only by enhancing positive emotions but also by fostering meaning seeking. Additionally, social class moderated the relationship between indirect multicultural experiences and self-change, with subjective social class playing a more pronounced role than objective social class. Individuals with higher subjective social class overall benefited more from indirect multicultural experiences. These findings enhance our understanding of the mechanisms behind self-change and suggest that interventions aiming to foster personal growth and self-improvement can benefit from encouraging diverse cultural exposures, focusing on enhancing individuals' subjective sense of social class.

Self-imposed pressure or joyful learning: emotions of Chinese as a foreign language learners in feedback on academic writing

Although writing feedback is widely believed to elicit a range of emotions, studies on the emotional experiences of L2 students with this teaching and learning tool, as well as their regulation strategies, remain largely underexplored. Drawing on the analytical framework of academic emotions from the perspective of positive psychology, this study examines two Chinese as foreign language (CFL) students' emotional reactions to their teacher's oral and written feedback and their emotion regulation strategies. The main data includes interviews, retrospective oral reports, students' reflection journals, academic writings, and teacher feedback. The study found that feedback aroused students' academic achievement emotions, cognitive emotions, and social emotions across various dimensions of valence and activation. Over the course of three feedback processes within one semester, the two learners' emotions gradually became neutral or positive. They effectively employed emotion-oriented, appraisal-oriented, and situation-oriented strategies to manage negative emotions and adapt to feedback. The findings suggest that paying attention to the intrinsic values of feedback may help learners experience more positive academic emotions, while paying too much attention to its extrinsic values may lead to negative emotions.

The future of flourishing in veterinary medicine: a systems-informed positive psychology approach in veterinary education

Individuals in the veterinary profession are experiencing significant mental health and wellbeing challenges. A holistic view of wellbeing, which encompasses both physical and mental health, underscores their interconnected nature. This integrated approach reduces the artificial separation of wellbeing facets, and highlights how mental states influence not only individuals, but also their interactions with animals, the environment, and others in the workplace. Wellbeing challenges in veterinary medicine may contribute to negative impacts in animal, human, and environmental health. Veterinary education institutions and systems are also experiencing complex challenges as they adapt to rapidly changing societal, workforce, and professional wellbeing related pressures. This review paper explores the field of positive psychology and its application in educational contexts, commonly known as positive education. A thorough exploration of the systems-informed positive education approach and ways in which it can proactively enhance veterinary professional wellbeing from within the veterinary education ecosystem are presented. It is important to recognize that individual self-care, while valuable, cannot compensate for systemic dysfunctions such as poor team dynamics, ineffective leadership, or organizational culture issues. Addressing these systemic factors is critical for creating environments that support sustained flourishing. Positive psychology interventions delivered through the pathways of individuals, groups, and organizations specifically within a veterinary education context are discussed. Limitations, considerations, and proposed measurement strategies are reviewed. The implications of implementing a systems-informed positive psychology approach to enhance wellbeing in veterinary education include creating curriculum and cultures that enable flourishing within veterinary education institutions. Strengthening the individual and collective wellbeing of veterinary professionals has the potential to enhance the quality of care provided to animals, which has myriad positive implications for animal caregivers, their communities, the environment, and society.

Analyzing Antecedent Configurations of Group Emotion Generation in Public Emergencies: A Multi-Factor Coupling Approach

To enhance emergency management and public opinion governance, improve the accuracy of forecasting group emotional responses, and elucidate the complex pathways of multi-factor coupling in the formation of group emotions, this study constructs a theoretical framework grounded in the social combustion theory. Through web scraping and text sentiment analysis, group emotional tendencies were measured in 40 public emergency cases from the past five years. Using the fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) method, the study explored the coupling, configuration effect, and formation pathways of factors such as "burning substance", "accelerant", and "ignition" in the emergence of group emotions. The results reveal significant differences in the generation pathways of positive versus negative group emotion. Inter-group threat as a "burning substance" is more likely to trigger negative group emotion, while "accelerant" plays a pivotal role in shaping and guiding emotional responses. Notably, the government's response speed is critical for fostering positive emotions, whereas the emergence of rumors significantly contributes to the spread of negative group emotions. Additionally, the occurrence of stimulating events markedly increases the generation of negative group emotions. This study provides an important theoretical foundation and practical insights for the management and regulation of group emotions.

The psychological resources of success: satisfaction with academic majors, psychological capital, and achievement motivation among future tourism and hospitality leaders

Introduction

Exploring the factors that drive academic achievement motivation is a vital area in educational psychology, particularly within specialized fields like tourism and hospitality higher education. Achievement motivation, essential for academic and career success, is shaped by various positive psychological resources and contextual factors. Grounded in the framework of positive psychology, this study examines how satisfaction with academic majors (SAT) predicts achievement motivation among tourism and hospitality students in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the research investigates the mediating role of psychological capital (PsyCap) - a positive psychological construct encompassing hope, optimism, resilience, and self-efficacy - within this relationship.

Methods

A quantitative approach was employed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Data were collected from 522 junior and senior undergraduate students enrolled in tourism and hospitality programs across Saudi Arabia. Validated scales were used to measure SAT, PsyCap, and achievement motivation.

Results

The findings indicate that greater satisfaction with one's academic major (SAT) positively predicts both PsyCap and achievement motivation. Furthermore, PsyCap was found to be positively and significantly associated with achievement motivation and partially mediate the relationship between SAT and achievement motivation.

Conclusion

This study's findings underscore the vital role of positive psychological resources in empowering students and advancing motivation, offering a validated model that informs future educational studies and interventions within tourism and hospitality while underscoring the significance of fostering psychological well-being in higher education.

Possible Worlds Theory: How the Imagination Transcends and Recreates Reality

The imagination is central to human social life but undervalued worldwide and underexplored in psychology. Here, we offer Possible Worlds Theory as a synthetic theory of the imagination. We first define the imagination, mapping the mental states it touches, from dreams and hallucinations to satire and fiction. The conditions that prompt people to imagine range from trauma to physical and social deprivation, and they challenge the sense of reality, stirring a need to create possible worlds. We theorize about four cognitive operations underlying the structure of the mental states of the imagination. We then show how people embody the imagination in social behaviors such as pretense and ritual, which give rise to experiences of a special class of feelings defined by their freedom from reality. We extend Possible Worlds Theory to four domains-play, spirituality, morality, and art-and show how in flights of the imagination people create new social realities shared with others.

A consensus on the definition of positive animal welfare

The concept of animal welfare is evolving due to progress in our scientific understanding of animal biology and changing societal expectations. Animal welfare science has been primarily concerned with minimizing suffering, but there is growing interest in also promoting positive experiences, grouped under the term positive animal welfare (PAW). However, there are discrepancies in the use of the term PAW. An interdisciplinary group arrived at a consensus that 'PAW can be defined as the animal flourishing through the experience of predominantly positive mental states and the development of competence and resilience. PAW goes beyond ensuring good physical health and the prevention and alleviation of suffering. It encompasses animals experiencing positive mental states resulting from rewarding experiences, including having choices and opportunities to actively pursue goals and achieve desired outcomes'. The definition also considers individual and species-specific differences. It provides a framework for researchers to investigate PAW and thereby generate innovative, informative and reproducible science. Studies of PAW can contribute to a richer picture of an animal's life and may elucidate the biological foundations of happiness. The definition creates opportunities to inspire scientific progress in animal biology and to align animal care practices, legislation and markets with societal expectations.

Using a mobile app comprising neurofeedback-based meditation and binaural beat music to treat PTSD symptoms: A qualitative analysis

Background

There is a significant need for an effective and convenient symptom management and healing program for people experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms; however, research on this topic is lacking.

Objective

This study explored the experiences of individuals with PTSD who used a mobile traumatic stress management app with neurofeedback-based meditation and binaural beat music to promote their psychological recovery.

Methods

This study used a qualitative research method to explore the experiences of neurofeedback-based meditation and binaural beat music using a mobile traumatic stress management app to promote the psychological recovery of people experiencing chronic traumatic stress. The research question was "What is the experience of neurofeedback-based meditation and binaural beat music using the mobile traumatic stress management app?"

Results

The thematic content analysis of in-depth interviews held with nine participants derived 26 codes, eight sub-categories, three categories, and one theme ("Holding hope for healing from agony of mind and body").

Conclusion

Neurofeedback-based meditation and binaural beat music using a mobile app helped people with PTSD symptoms to truly understand the symptoms caused by traumatic stress. Continued use of this program provides the participants with physical and psychological stability; it instills them with faith and hope.

Positive affect expression during a play interaction and psychological health among older adults living with cognitive impairment and their adult children

OBJECTIVES

We examined the extent to which positive affect expression in play interactions between adult children and their parents living with cognitive impairment was associated with lower depressive symptoms and mental health difficulties for both dyad members. Gender differences in positive affect expression were also examined.

METHOD

Dyads (N = 126) self-reported their depressive symptoms and mental health difficulties. Dyad members later engaged in a video-recorded play interaction together, and their positive affect expression was observationally coded by trained coders in terms of 'enjoyment', 'laughter', and 'positive affect towards partner'.

RESULTS

Findings from mixed models using the Actor Partner Interdependence Model showed that one's partner's positive affect was associated with one's own lower depressive symptoms. There were no significant actor effects or effects of role (parent vs. child). Results also revealed that women expressed more positive affect and had greater mental health difficulties, but not depressive symptoms. We found that one's partner's positive affect expressions were more associated with women's mental health than men's mental health.

CONCLUSION

Positive affect expression may be a useful indicator of psychological health in parent-child relationships in which the parent has cognitive impairment. Positive affect may be useful to target in supportive, dyadic, psychosocial interventions.

Cognitive flexibility and resilience measured through a residual approach

Background and Objectives: Resilience refers to the process through which individuals show better outcomes than what would be expected based on the adversity they experienced. Several theories have proposed that variation in resilience is underpinned by cognitive flexibility, however, no study has investigated this using an outcome-based measure of resilience.Design: We used a residual-based approach to index resilience, which regresses a measure of mental health difficulties onto a measure of adversity experienced. The residuals obtained from this regression constitute how much better or worse someone is functioning relative to what is predicted by the adversity they have experienced.Methods: A total of 463 undergraduate participants completed questionnaires of mental health difficulties and adversity, as well as a number-letter task-switching task to assess cognitive flexibility.Results: Multiple regression analyses showed that better cognitive flexibility was not associated with greater resilience.Conclusions: Our findings do not support theoretical models that propose the existence of a relationship between cognitive flexibility and resilience. Future research may serve to refine the residual-based approach to measure resilience, as well as investigate the contribution of "hot" rather than "cold" cognitive flexibility to individual differences in resilience.

Web-browsing patterns reflect and shape mood and mental health

Humans spend on average 6.5 hours a day online. A large portion of that time is dedicated to information-seeking. How does this activity impact mental health? We assess this over four studies (n = 1,145). We reveal that the valence of information sought affects mental health, which in turn influences the valence of information sought, forming a self-reinforcing loop. We quantified the valence of text on webpages participants chose to browse using natural language processing and found that browsing more negative information was associated with worse mental health and mood. By manipulating the webpages browsed and measuring mood and vice versa, we show that the relationship is causal and bidirectional. Finally, we developed an intervention that altered web-browsing patterns in a manner that improved mood. Together, the findings suggest that the information sought reflects mental state and shapes it, creating a loop that may perpetuate mental health problems. The results also provide a potential method for assessing and enhancing welfare in the digital age.

Longitudinal Relations among Self-Compassion, Self-Esteem, and Depressive Symptoms in College Students: Disentangling the Within-Person Process from Stable Between-Person Differences

Although previous studies have shown that self-compassion is associated with self-esteem and depressive symptoms, little is known about the intra-individual processes and the temporal dynamics of these variables. This study used a longitudinal design to explore the association between self-compassion, self-esteem and depressive symptoms among 5785 college students (aged 17-22 years; Mage = 18.63, SD = 0.88; 48.2% females). The participants were assessed six times in a six-month interval over three years. The random intercept cross-lagged panel models (RI-CLPMs) were used to disentangle within-person processes from stable between-person differences. Results of RI-CLPMs indicated that at the within-person level, self-compassion can positively predict subsequent self-esteem and negatively predict subsequent depressive symptoms, and vice versa. Self-esteem played a longitudinal mediating role in the prediction from self-compassion to depressive symptoms at the within-person level. These results indicate that cultivating self-compassion in college students is crucial as it can bolster their self-esteem and alleviate depressive symptoms.

The differences in symptom networks of depression, anxiety, and sleep in college students with different stress levels

BACKGROUND

Stress is closely related to depression, anxiety, and sleep problems. However, few studies have explored the complex symptom-level relationships among these variables at different stress levels among college students.

METHODS

From March to April 2024, a survey was conducted using a convenience sampling method in three universities in Daqing City, Heilongjiang Province. A total of 7,845 participants (2,447 males and 5,398 females) were assessed using the Psychological Stress Tolerance Index (PSTR), the General Health Questionnaire-20 (GHQ-20), and the Self-Rating Scale of Sleep (SRSS). Based on the GHQ-20 scores, college students were categorized into low, medium, and high-stress levels. Non-parametric tests and Post-hoc tests were conducted to explore the impact of stress levels on depression, anxiety, and sleep. Network analysis methods were used to reveal the differences in the symptom networks of depression, anxiety, and sleep among college students at different stress levels.

RESULTS

Non-parametric test results indicate significant differences in depression, anxiety, and sleep scores among high, medium, and low-stress groups. Post-hoc tests reveal that the high-stress group scores significantly higher in depression, anxiety, and sleep than the medium and low-stress groups. The medium-stress group scored significantly higher than the low-stress group. Network analysis shows that the core symptoms in the low-stress group are "Difficulty falling asleep", "Anxious and restless", and "Taking sleeping pills", with bridging symptoms including "Hopeless future", "Feeling useless", "Life is a battlefield", and "Anxious and restless". For the medium-stress group, the core symptoms are "Difficulty falling asleep", "Easily awakened after sleeping", and "Life is hopeless", with bridging symptoms including "Feeling useless", "Life is a battlefield", "Anxious and restless", and "Taking sleeping pills". In the high-stress group, the core symptoms are "Difficulty falling asleep", "Feeling useless", and "Anxious and resless", with bridging symptoms including "Feeling useless", "Life is a battlefield", "Anxious and restless", and "Stress hinders tasks".

CONCLUSION

Stress exacerbates depression, anxiety, and sleep problems among college students, with differences in core symptoms and bridging symptoms of depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances at varying levels of stress. Therefore, precise interventions can be implemented based on the core and bridge symptoms of the three networks, further improving university students' physical and mental health.

From Pandemic to COVID-19 Endemic: Mental Health Impact, Psychological and Social Well-Being Among Social Work Students-Implications for the Healthcare System

Background/Objectives: Our research paper aims to analyse the relationship between the perceived impact on mental health due to the COVID-19 pandemic, social well-being, and psychological well-being among social work students. As we transition from the pandemic phase to an endemic phase of COVID-19, it is necessary to examine these aspects, recognizing the interdependence and complementarity of social and medical care within the healthcare system. Methods: The research was conducted nearly three years after the lockdown measures imposed by the spread of COVID-19, during a period when onsite academic activities had resumed, as they were prior to the pandemic. The sample consisted of 235 social work students from both bachelor's and master's programmes studying at a large university in Romania. Data was collected between December 2022 and January 2023, during a time when onsite educational activities were once again taking place. Results: Our results show that, despite the significant amount of time that had passed since the pandemic began, its negative effects were still strongly felt on a psychosocial level. Conclusions: This finding leads us to conclude that there is a long-term COVID-19 impact on mental health. Most study participants reported experiencing high (42.10%) or moderate (23%) levels of being mentally affected, which also affected their psychological and social well-being, key factors in preparing future social-medical care professionals to provide adequate integrated healthcare services.

Evaluating the psychosocial experiences of participants in HIV cure research before, during, and after analytical treatment interruptions: A longitudinal qualitative study in the United States

The lack of socio-behavioral research on stress and psychosocial experiences among research participants who undergo analytical treatment interruption (ATI) in HIV cure studies underscores a critical gap in cure science. Existing literature acknowledges mixed and potentially adverse mental health impacts of ATIs among trial participants, but empirical insights before, during, and after clinical studies are scarce. We used longitudinal in-depth interviews with 11 participants in HIV cure-related research to explore their experiences with stress, coping, and psychological well-being before, during, and after an ATI. Our framework analyses of participant interviews suggest an evolving interplay between person- and environment-oriented factors that shape psychosocial well-being through multiple pathways. Key emergent themes surrounding stress, coping, and psychological adaptation before the ATI encompass the stress-protective effects of pill (in)significance, curiosity in natural immunological control, and perceived support, and trust with professional help networks comprised of providers and research staff. Themes that promoted positive secondary appraisals of stressors during ATIs involved generativity and meaning-based coping, and the stress-adaptive benefits of support-seeking and actualization. Finally, a theme exposing post-ATI stress revolved around the disappointment that participants noted feeling from needing to restart their HIV medications after the ATI and accepting the permanency of HIV and medications in their lives. Our findings emphasize the importance of building supportive and trusting relationships with research teams, and specify the stress-buffering mechanisms between emotional, informational, and appraisal support on ATI-related stress. Additionally, we outline multiple implications that advocate for the adoption of several precautionary measures in HIV cure research to mitigate psychosocial risks. By documenting the evolution of psychosocial experiences, we offer valuable insights to inform the design of future studies, ensuring their ethicality, acceptability, and inclusivity.

Association between personality and cognitive bias in adults with and without depression

BACKGROUND

Cognitive bias plays a crucial role in the onset and persistence of depression. Research has established a link between personality traits and cognitive bias; however, most of them focused on the general population, overlooking individuals with depression. We aim to explore the relationship between personality and cognitive bias in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and compare the results with healthy controls (HCs) to identify potential patterns.

METHODS

The study included 124 patients with MDD and 123 HCs recruited from the Zhumadian Psychiatric Hospital in Henan, China, using the 16 Personality Factor Questionnaire (16 PF) to measure personality traits and the Cognitive Bias Questionnaire (CBQ) to measure cognitive biases. Pearson correlations and hierarchical regression analyses were employed to investigate the correlations and predictive powers.

RESULTS

Traits related to neuroticism or extraversion were associated with biased responses. After controlling for sociodemographic and clinical information, neuroticism traits were found to have a significant independent effect in the MDD group. Also, the significance of Privateness in the MDD group merits more extensive exploration. Although consistent correlation patterns were found in both groups, neuroticism traits were more significant and independent in predicting biased cognitive processing in the MDD group, indicating the importance of neuroticism in the depressive context.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study provides insights into the connection between personality and cognitive bias from a clinical perspective, potentially enhancing clinical diagnosis and treatment modalities.

The mediating role of positive feelings in the association between adaptation to disability and positive emotional well-being in a sample of students with congenital physical disabilities

BACKGROUND

Adaptation to disability (AD) is linked to positive feelings (PF) and positive emotional well-being (PEWB), while emotional suppression can improve adaptation and provide temporary PEWB but will not lead to sustainable positive mental health. This study examined whether and to what extent PF might mediate the link between AD and PEWB in a sample of students with congenital physical disabilities (CPD) in Rwanda.

METHODS

A sample of 46 students with CPD (21 females, i.e., 45.65% and 25 males i.e., 54.34%; mean age: M = 20 years; SD = 2.05) were administered questionnaires to assess their AD, PF, and PEWB.

RESULTS

Results showed that PF (r = - 0.37, p < 0.05) and PEWB (r = - 0.37, p < 0.05) were significantly and negatively correlated with AD, while PF was significantly and positively correlated with PEWB (r = 0.70, p < 0.01). Results further suggested that there was a strong indirect negative relationship between AD and PEWB mediated by PF (a*b = - 0.68, Bootstrap CI95 = - 1.30 and - 0.26), with the Sobel test statistics of - 2.4131 against a significant one-tailed p-value (p < 0.01) and two-tailed p-value (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Results emphasize that understanding AD and PF for students with CPD at risk of decreased PEWB could lead to suitable interventions. Also, results can be used by future researchers, policymakers, and other related institutions to understand the inner feelings of students with CPD for further support.

The experiences of parents of children with disabilities receiving healthcare services: Negative emotions and associated situations

PURPOSE

To explore the negative emotions expressed by parents of children with disabilities when describing their experiences with pediatric health care.

METHODS

Quotes mentioning negative emotional experiences and the situations in which these arose were identified in 13 transcribed focus group conversations involving 65 Canadian parents of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Data were analyzed using content analysis.

RESULTS

There were 106 mentions of negative emotional experiences, including stress, frustration, trauma, upset, anger, emotional exhaustion, and fear. Common situations associated with these experiences included being given unwanted responsibilities, waiting for services/appointments, not being listened to, and being treated disrespectfully. Stress and frustration were associated with unwanted responsibilities, not being listened to, and waiting while at scheduled appointments, whereas trauma, upset, anger, and fear were associated primarily with being treated disrespectfully. Negative emotions were considered to arise from parents' societally based expectations about how they would be treated in health care.

CONCLUSIONS

Parents expressed strong negative emotions, indicating a lack of family-centered care in their experiences with pediatric healthcare services. Service providers can reduce the likelihood of negative emotional experiences by gauging the level of involvement desired by parents, listening carefully and sensitively, and acting with respect and understanding.

Exploring the interplay of academic stress, motivation, emotional intelligence, and mindfulness in higher education: a longitudinal cross-lagged panel model approach

Students in higher education often encounter significant academic pressure, which can have profound implications for their mental health and academic performance. The current study employs a two-wave longitudinal design to investigate the dynamic interrelationships among academic stress, academic motivation, emotional intelligence, and mindfulness. The study employed a cross-lagged panel model to investigate the temporal interactions among these four constructs and their influence on the academic experiences of doctoral students. The sample consisted of 643 individuals at Time 1 (September/October 2022), followed by a subsequent assessment involving 413 participants (July/August 2023). Notably, there was an overlap of 373 participants who were evaluated at both time points. The results indicated the presence of substantial reciprocal relationships among the constructs under investigation. The outcomes indicated that elevated emotional intelligence and mindfulness levels are associated with reduced academic stress and enhanced motivation. The implications of this analysis underscore the necessity of facilitating interventions aimed at enhancing emotional intelligence and mindfulness. These components are instrumental in promoting resilience and supporting academic success among students. These longitudinal insights hold significant importance within the academic literature as they elucidate the various stressors doctoral students encounter. Furthermore, this research provides practical implications for educators and policymakers in formulating targeted strategies to enhance student well-being and improve educational outcomes.

A pilot study of a gratitude journaling intervention to enhance spiritual well-being and exercise self-efficacy in Black breast cancer survivors

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer (BC) survivorship presents significant health disparities, particularly affecting Black women, who experience a 40% higher BC death rate compared to White women. These disparities are exacerbated by comorbidities, which contribute to poorer overall health outcomes. Additionally, Black BC survivors often face psychosocial challenges, including increased stress and lower well-being, which can lead to adverse physical health effects. This pilot study aims to assess the feasibility and efficacy of a culturally sensitive gratitude journaling intervention designed to enhance spiritual well-being, exercise self-efficacy, and reduce inflammation among Black BC survivors.

METHODS

This pilot study employed a two-group, parallel random-assignment experimental design to compare a gratitude journaling intervention with a general memory journaling control group. Twenty-six Black women aged 40 to 70 years with a history of BC were randomly assigned to either the gratitude journaling intervention group (n = 13) or the control group (n = 13). The gratitude intervention group engaged in gratitude journaling twice weekly for eight weeks, while the control group documented daily memories. Outcomes measured included Gratitude Questionnaire-6, FACIT-Spiritual Well-Being 12 Item Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, Giscombe Superwoman Schema Questionnaire, and the Stage of Motivational Readiness for Physical Activity questionnaire and inflammatory biomarkers. Statistical analyses included the Wilcoxon rank sum test and Fisher's exact test.

RESULTS

Twenty-six participants were enrolled, with 73% completing baseline and post-intervention assessments. The intervention group showed a significant improvement in spiritual well-being (p = 0.014) with a large effect size (ES = 0.57). Marginal improvements in exercise self-efficacy were also observed (ES = 0.39). Although there were no significant differences in dispositional gratitude and perceived stress between groups, the intervention group exhibited trends toward increased gratitude and reduced stress. Inflammatory biomarker analysis indicated non-significant changes, though IL-6 levels increased in the intervention group.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates the feasibility and acceptability of a gratitude journaling intervention among Black BC survivors. The intervention significantly enhanced spiritual well-being and showed promise in improving exercise self-efficacy, suggesting its potential for promoting holistic wellness in this population. These findings provide a foundation for future larger-scale randomized controlled trials to further evaluate the efficacy of gratitude-based interventions for Black BC survivors.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study was registered prospectively at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05473026) on 07-13-2022.

The Influence of Mission Valence on Faculty's Voice Behavior: The Role of Thriving at Work and Servant Leadership

Faculty's voice behavior is crucial in promoting institutional reform and sustainable development in higher education institutions. However, there is still significant room for exploration regarding how to effectively stimulate such behavior among faculty. This study, based on data collected from 630 Chinese university faculty, investigates the conditions under which mission valence can promote voice behavior in higher education settings. The study involved constructing a moderated mediation model, with thriving at work as the mediator and servant leadership as the moderator, to explore the relationship between mission valence and faculty's voice behavior. The results reveal that mission valence has a significant positive impact on faculty's voice behavior in higher education and indirectly promotes such behavior through the mediating role of thriving at work. Furthermore, it was found that servant leadership plays a significant moderating role in the relationship between thriving at work and faculty's voice behavior, enhancing the overall mediation mechanism. This study extends our understanding of the relationship between mission valence and faculty's voice behavior in the context of Chinese higher education and provides practical insights into strategies for promoting faculty's voice behavior.

The impact of hierarchical plateau on civil servants' taking charge behavior: The role of work engagement and trait mindfulness

Taking charge behavior of civil servants is important for enhancing the transformative capacity and governance efficacy of the public sector. This study is based on the conservation of resources theory and the job demands-resources model to explore the impact of hierarchical plateau on taking charge behavior of civil servants, including the mediating role of work engagement and the moderating effect of trait mindfulness. Through the analysis of a sample of 286 civil servants in Guangdong Province, China, the results show that hierarchical plateau has a negative effect on taking charge behavior of civil servants, with work engagement partially mediating the relationship between hierarchical plateau and taking charge behavior; trait mindfulness can alleviate the negative relationship between hierarchical plateau and work engagement. Furthermore, the mediating effect of work engagement is moderated by trait mindfulness, with higher levels of civil servants' trait mindfulness weakening the indirect influence of hierarchical plateau on taking charge behavior through work engagement. The findings of this study deepen the understanding of the psychological mechanism of hierarchical plateau on the taking charge behavior.

Positive and Negative Affect Differentially Predict Individual Differences and Intra-Individual Changes in Daily Cognitive Failures in Younger and Older Adults

(1) Background: Cognitive failures, including lapses in attention, memory, and executive functioning, can negatively affect daily performance and well-being. Negative and positive affectivity have been implicated in cognitive functioning, yet their relationship with cognitive failures remains underexplored. This study investigates the impact of positive and negative affect on cognitive failures, using daily diary methods to examine both within-person and between-person associations in a sample of younger adults from Singapore and adults across the lifespan from the United States (US). (2) Methods: Participants (Singapore: N = 253, US: N = 1726) completed daily diaries over seven (Singapore) or eight (US) consecutive days. Multilevel modelling was used to analyse both within- and between-person relationships between affect and cognitive failures, controlling for demographic and socioeconomic variables. (3) Results: In both the Singapore and US samples, negative affect was consistently positively associated with cognitive failures at both levels (SG within-person: β = 0.21, p < 0.001; SG between-person: β = 0.58, p < 0.001; US within-person: β = 0.08, p < 0.001; US between-person: β = 0.28, p < 0.001), supporting the influence of negative affective experiences on cognitive lapses. However, positive affect showed no significant associations with daily cognitive failures in the Singapore sample (within-person: β = 0.01, p = 0.683; between-person: β = -0.04, p = 0.484) and only a between-person negative association in the US sample (within-person: β = 0.02, p = 0.157; between-person: β = -0.11, p < 0.001). (4) Conclusion: These findings suggest that positive and negative affect differentially influence individual differences and intra-individual changes in daily cognitive failures among both younger and older adults.

Developing positive design with innovative thinking framework: A design pedagogical approach to enhance subjective well-being

Design thinking is the foundation of professional design education, and the shift from zero to professional design skill involves the completion of the transition from single-mindedness to independent and innovative thinking. In this exploratory study on design teaching, we build a novel teaching model by drawing on the connection between students' self-transcendent knowledge and formal knowledge in design thinking. Based on the Design for Happiness framework (DfH), this study uses Positive Emotional Granularity cards (PEG) to stimulate students to identify and categorize various positive emotions. We matched 15 furniture-related positive emotion keywords, summarized the corresponding design strategies, and subsequently generated Design for Happy Furniture cards (DfHF). We looked at new structural reorganizations of design teaching resources and effective teaching models and examples that might be used in course delivery. This study used the USE scale for quantitative analysis and triangulation for qualitative data analysis. The results indicate that this method is crucial for making it easier to convert design ideas into practice and for enhancing the efficiency of instructional techniques in a specific design procedure. The bottom-up approach is beneficial for creating sets of cards and design strategies, as well as for utilizing the cards in innovative ways to enhance students' creativity, engagement, and self-efficacy. DfHF cards are a valuable tool for promoting motivation and facilitating the constructive learning of creative skills. They not only improve students' creative thinking abilities but also expedite the design decision-making process and prioritize emotional integration and user well-being.

Within-Person Relationships Among Self-Compassion, Emotion Regulation Difficulties, and Anxiety Symptoms: Testing an Emotion Regulation Model of Self-Compassion

Anxiety symptoms is prevalent among college students and is associated with a range of detrimental consequences. Self-compassion and emotion regulation difficulties are important factors affecting anxiety symptoms, but their functional mechanism and longitudinal correlation are still unclear. This three-year longitudinal study (baseline: n = 5785, 48.2% of female, Mage = 18.63 years, SD = 0.88; T1 to T5: n = range from 4312 to 5497) aimed to validate the emotion regulation model of self-compassion by examining the associations between self-compassion, emotion regulation difficulties, and anxiety symptoms. Random intercept cross-lagged panel models (RI-CLPMs) was used to distinguish within-person variations overtime from stable between-person differences. The results obtained from the RI-CLPMs indicated that there is a bidirectional effect between self-compassion and anxiety symptoms at the within-person level. Emotional regulation difficulties played a longitudinal mediating role in the prediction from self-compassion to anxiety symptoms at the within-person level, validating the emotion regulation model of self-compassion. The current study indicates that cultivating self-compassion in college students is crucial as it can improve their emotion regulation skills and alleviate anxiety symptoms.

Relationships between daily emotional experiences and smartphone addiction among college students: moderated mediating role of gender and mental health problems

Introduction

The theoretical model of smartphone addiction highlights the role of emotional factors in fostering addictive behaviors. However, most research has focused on long-term emotional states and pathologies, often overlooking the immediate effects of daily emotional fluctuations on smartphone usage and their mechanisms.

Methods

Our study employed an online survey and a moderated parallel mediation model to explore how daily emotional experiences influence smartphone addiction among college students. We analyzed the mediating roles of anxiety, stress, and depression, and the moderating effect of gender.

Results

Our findings indicate that daily negative emotional experiences were positively correlated with smartphone addiction, with stress serving as a significant mediator in the relationship between both positive and negative emotional experiences and addiction. Interestingly, positive emotional experiences directly increased smartphone addiction risk among female students, but they also significantly reduced stress and depression, especially pronounced in women. Further analysis indicated that positive emotions primarily mitigate addiction through reducing stress, a pathway especially significant in females.

Discussion

The study not only confirms the substantial impact of emotional experiences on addiction but also deepens our understanding of their mechanisms, underlining the importance of considering the nature of emotional experiences and gender-specific effects in devising prevention and intervention strategies.

Real-World Social Reward Processes are Linked to Momentary Positive Affect in Adolescent Girls

Positive peer interactions are critical for adolescent development and well-being. Showing little interest in interacting socially with peers and/or extracting little reward from positive peer interactions can be markers of social anhedonia, which impacts many youths, especially girls, with social anxiety and depressive disorders. Reduced interest or reward in peer interactions may contribute to social anxiety and depression in girls through effects on positive affect (PA), though associations between social anhedonia and momentary PA have yet to be tested. The present study used ecological momentary assessment to test such associations between real-world anticipatory social reward (i.e., interest in upcoming peer events), consummatory social reward (i.e., reward extracted from positive peer interactions), and momentary PA in a sample of 129 girls (aged 11-13 years) who were oversampled for high shy/fearful temperament, a risk factor for future social anxiety and depression. Girls reported higher PA following a more socially rewarding peer interaction, and higher PA on days they reported higher anticipatory social reward. Exploratory analyses showed that these associations were specific to PA; neither anticipatory nor consummatory social reward was associated with changes in negative affect. Findings may inform the development of clinical interventions that target social anhedonia to modify PA in youth with affective disorders.

Influence of Work-Life Balance on Mental Health Among Nurses: The Mediating Role of Psychological Capital and Job Satisfaction

Background

Nurses constitute the backbone of the healthcare sector, often confronting elevated levels of work-related stress and emotional demands that can profoundly impact their mental well-being. Mental health is critical to nursing practice as it directly influences job performance, patient care quality, and workforce sustainability. This study examines the effects of work-life balance on the mental health of nurses in Pakistan while examining the intermediary effects of psychological capital and job satisfaction.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted from twenty-seven public and private hospitals in Multan, Pakistan, between December 2023 and March 2024. The research employed meticulously validated measurement tools: Work-Life Balance (WLB) Scale, Psychological Capital Questionnaire 12 (PCQ-12), Job Satisfaction Survey (JSS), and General Health Questionnaire 12 (GHQ-12) to collect data on 578 participants. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS and AMOS to investigate direct and indirect relationships among study constructs.

Results

The results indicated that work-life balance positively influences both psychological capital (β = 0.083, p < 0.05) and job satisfaction (β = 0.113, p < 0.01), which, in turn, significantly contributes to better mental health outcomes among nurses. Sequential mediation analysis confirmed that psychological capital and job satisfaction (Indirect effect=0.022, 95% CI: 0.01-0.037) mediate between work-life balance and mental health, suggesting that a healthy work-life balance enhances psychological resources and job satisfaction, thereby improving mental health.

Conclusion

The findings highlight the importance of fostering a supportive work environment within the nursing community that promotes work-life balance, enhances psychological resources, and improves job satisfaction to maintain nurses' overall mental health.