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Li X, Chen SH, Lee CY, Li A, Gao M, Cai X, Hsueh SC, Chiang YC. Mediating Effects of Academic Self-Efficacy and Depressive Symptoms on Prosocial/Antisocial Behavior Among Youths. PREVENTION SCIENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR PREVENTION RESEARCH 2024; 25:711-723. [PMID: 37940781 DOI: 10.1007/s11121-023-01611-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Adolescence is a critical period during which youth develop and shape their behaviors. Because differences between youths are strongly connected to environmental factors, we aimed to elucidate possible pathways from home-school regulation and atmosphere to youths' prosocial and antisocial behaviors. Data were derived from the China Education Panel Survey. This study involved a total of 9291 students aged 14-15 years (4834 boys, 4457 girls). We used structural equation modeling (SEM) with LISREL 8.80 and Monte Carlo resampling with R to conduct the analysis strategy. In the home-school regulation, parental supervision on the one hand and teacher criticism on the other hand have direct positive and negative predictive effects on youths' prosocial behaviors, respectively, while their direct effects on antisocial behavior are the opposite; teachers praise does not directly affect adolescents' prosocial and antisocial behaviors. In the home-school atmosphere, family interaction and perceived good class climate directly positively affect youths' prosocial behaviors, while the direct effects of both on antisocial behavior are not significant. The SEM results reveal that academic self-efficacy and depressive symptoms may be underlying mediating mechanisms through which home-school regulation and atmosphere during adolescence affect students' prosocial and antisocial behaviors. Intervention programs targeting home-school supportive environments and prevention programs targeting positive emotion and self-awareness may yield benefits for proper social behavior in adolescents. For example, by enhancing the way and frequency of parent-child interaction, teachers and students jointly create a good class climate of care and friendship to strengthen a home-school supportive environment. Improve adolescents' positive emotions such as contentment, optimism, and hope to reduce the possibility of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Shih-Han Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- BIORAY Medical Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, China
| | - Chun-Yang Lee
- School of International Business, Xiamen University Tan Kah Kee College, Zhangzhou, China
| | - An Li
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Health Supervision of Zhangzhou Health Bureau, Zhangzhou, China
| | - Min Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xinlan Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Shao-Chieh Hsueh
- School of Economics and Management, Xiamen University of Technology, Xiamen, China.
| | - Yi-Chen Chiang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
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2
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Brownlie J. How kindness took a hold: A sociology of emotions, attachment and everyday enchantment. THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 38922695 DOI: 10.1111/1468-4446.13128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
How are we to understand the contemporary preoccupation-at least in many English-speaking societies-with 'random acts of kindness' and the idea of kindness more generally? Should this be seen as a challenge to the logic of capitalism or reinforcing of it, an example of commodification of emotion within our everyday lives? By introducing and mapping the contours of an emergent 'kindness industry', placing emotion (and enchantment) at the heart of how attachment to the idea of kindness is theorised, and marshalling existing empirical research on contemporary framings of everyday kindness, I argue that there is a need for a critical sociological engagement with the 'pro-social' that does justice to its profound ambivalence. In the case of contemporary kindness this involves understanding both the regulatory nature of the enchantment sold by a kindness industry and the problem-solving potential of the enchantment of kindness in the everyday, where it both helps address contemporary feelings of hopelessness and shame and facilitates the possibility of making life materially liveable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Brownlie
- School of Social and Political Science, Edinburgh University, Edinburgh, UK
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3
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Schienle A, Unger I. Non-Deceptive Placebos Can Promote Acts of Kindness: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 13:703. [PMID: 37753981 PMCID: PMC10525077 DOI: 10.3390/bs13090703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Placebos have often been used to reduce emotional distress but rarely to increase positive feelings. The present study investigated whether a placebo can promote acts of kindness (AoKs) that are associated with emotional well-being. A total of 160 university students were asked to perform an AoK daily for one week. They evaluated their emotional state (feelings of pleasantness, arousal, satisfaction) directly before and after the AoKs. This was monitored via a smartphone app. One group performed each AoK after taking a non-deceptive placebo; the other group received no placebo. Before and after the one-week program, the participants completed three questionnaires that assessed satisfaction with life, positive/negative affect, and flourishing. The participants reported higher pleasantness directly after engaging in an AoK and more satisfaction with life after the program. The motivation to carry out AoKs decreased strongly over the week. However, placebo receivers completed more AoKs than the no-placebo group. The results indicate that placebo treatment can promote the performance of acts of kindness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Schienle
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
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4
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Emotional, motivational and attitudinal consequences of autonomous prosocial behaviour. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ejsp.2916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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5
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Regan A, Radošić N, Lyubomirsky S. Experimental effects of social behavior on well-being. Trends Cogn Sci 2022; 26:987-998. [PMID: 36109332 DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2022.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Subjective well-being is characterized by relatively frequent positive emotions, relatively infrequent negative emotions, and high life satisfaction. Although myriad research topics related to subjective well-being have been explored - from how it should be measured to how it affects physical health - a key finding is that social connections are crucial. Researchers are therefore increasingly exploring whether subjective well-being can be improved through interventions that encourage specific types of social behaviors, including prosociality, gratitude, extraversion, and brief social interactions. We review this recent work, highlighting potential behavioral and psychological mechanisms underlying the effectiveness of such interventions, along with their boundary conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie Regan
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA.
| | - Nina Radošić
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Sonja Lyubomirsky
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
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Walsh LC, Regan A, Twenge JM, Lyubomirsky S. What is the Optimal Way to Give Thanks? Comparing the Effects of Gratitude Expressed Privately, One-to-One via Text, or Publicly on Social Media. AFFECTIVE SCIENCE 2022; 4:82-91. [PMID: 36246532 PMCID: PMC9551243 DOI: 10.1007/s42761-022-00150-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Numerous investigations to date have established the benefits of expressing gratitude for improved psychological well-being and interpersonal relationships. Nevertheless, the social dynamics of gratitude remain understudied. Do the effects of gratitude differ when it is expressed privately, communicated directly to the benefactor one-to-one, or shared publicly? We tested this question in a preregistered intervention study. An ethnically and economically diverse sample of undergraduate students (N = 916) was randomly assigned to 1 of 4 conditions: (1) write gratitude letters and do not share them (private gratitude), (2) share gratitude one-to-one with benefactors via text (1-to-1 gratitude), (3) share gratitude publicly on social media (public gratitude), or (4) track daily activities (control). Participants were asked to complete their assigned activity four times with different people (as applicable) over the course of about a week. Overall, participants assigned to any digital gratitude intervention experienced improvements in state gratitude, positive emotions, negative emotions, elevation, connectedness, support, and loneliness, relative to controls. Relative to all other conditions, participants assigned to text their benefactors showed the biggest boosts in social connectedness and support. Our findings show that easily scalable digital gratitude interventions can advance the well-being of young college students.
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Maresch I, Kampman H. Playing for Resilience in a Pandemic; Exploring the Role of an Online Board Game in Recognising Resources. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF APPLIED POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 8:1-33. [PMID: 35990999 PMCID: PMC9375186 DOI: 10.1007/s41042-022-00069-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
In the current climate of Covid-19 and world-wide social distancing, the mental health toll has been widely reported, with an expectation that the negative impact will last beyond the lockdowns. Facing the prospect of an unknown future and continuing challenges, resilience is both topical and necessary. With a call for digitally delivered interventions to help people affected by the pandemic, this study explores how playing an online positive psychology-informed board game supported people to recognise resources for resilience. Sixteen multi-national participants played in groups of 3-4 and qualitative data, collected via focus groups, was analysed using Thematic Analysis. Participants described a broadening of resources, primarily through reflecting on and remembering prior strategies and successes. Four themes are identified which, it is suggested, facilitated this in a sequential, upward spiral; the game mechanisms (release), psychological safety (reflect), meaningful conversations (remember) and anchoring of prior experiences (reuse). Critically, this study suggests that psychological safety may have been amplified by the online environment, which participants suggested enabled them to engage without interruption or inhibition. Additionally, whilst not part of the original intervention, the post-game reflection played an essential role in meaning-making and transferring learning into real-life. Future research into how online environments might not just facilitate but augment interventions is recommended. Finally, this study calls for further research into the impact of playful positive psychology interventions, suggesting a potential development of 'serious play' towards 'seriously positive play'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imogen Maresch
- School of Psychology, University of East London, Water Lane, E15 3LZ London, UK
| | - Hanna Kampman
- School of Psychology, University of East London, Water Lane, E15 3LZ London, UK
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8
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Hui BPH. Prosocial behavior and well-being: Shifting from the 'chicken and egg' to positive feedback loop. Curr Opin Psychol 2022; 44:231-236. [PMID: 34749240 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2021.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The extant literature is mostly dichotomized in examining the effect of either prosocial behavior on well-being or well-being on prosocial behavior. After reviewing the emerging line of research on the positive feedback loop between prosocial behavior and well-being, I integrate all up-to-date empirical findings to present a reciprocal model where prosocial behavior begets well-being and well-being begets prosocial behavior. This article provides fresh insights, including the moderating roles of prosocial behavior and well-being and fading (and anti-fading) of the positive feedback loop. I also offer various promising lines of inquiry for future work and highlight powerful and ecologically valid research designs, such as experience-sampling studies and multiple-time point field experiments to capture the dynamic interplay between prosocial behavior and well-being.
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9
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Abstract
This paper describes the evaluation of the Happiness through Goal-Setting Training, a multiple intervention approach which helps participants to reflect on, and modify their reasons for goal pursuit. The training is theoretically grounded in the goal-striving reasons framework. This framework captures four important reasons for goal pursuit and has received a substantial amount of empirical support for its predictive power in relation to positive psychological functioning. The four goal-striving reasons are the pursuit of goals out of pleasure, altruism, fear of self-esteem loss or necessity. The evaluation of the training, employing a before-and-after study design, is based on two data sets comprising data from a face-to-face delivery of the training (N = 41) and an online delivery of the training (N = 40). Overall, the findings from both studies, using paired sample t-tests, show that the Happiness through Goal-Setting Training significantly improves the quality of people's reasons for goal pursuit as well as their positive psychological functioning measured through life satisfaction, positive affect, negative affect and work-engagement. Thus, the Happiness through Goal-Setting Training complements the existing suite of well-being interventions by providing a happiness training that focusses specifically on improving people's reasons for goal-pursuit.
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Nelson-Coffey SK, Bohlmeijer ET, Schotanus-Dijkstra M. Practicing Other-Focused Kindness and Self-Focused Kindness Among Those at Risk for Mental Illness: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial. Front Psychol 2021; 12:741546. [PMID: 34721218 PMCID: PMC8551549 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.741546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
People with reduced levels of mental well-being might be at risk for developing future mental illness. Although several positive psychology interventions successfully improve mental well-being and psychological distress, less is known about their efficacy in a sample at risk for mental disorders. A Dutch sample of 289 participants with low or moderate levels of well-being were randomly assigned to other-focused kindness with reflection, other-focused kindness without reflection, self-focused kindness, or waitlist control (Trial register: NTR6786). Results of multilevel growth curve analyses revealed that other-focused kindness, but not self-focused kindness, led to improvements in the primary outcome mental well-being relative to waitlist control up to 6-week follow-up. By contrast, only other-focused kindness without reflection led to improvements in psychological distress. The three kindness conditions mainly did not differ from one another, and mainly no differences were found up to 6-months follow-up. An exception was that perceived stress was significantly more reduced up to 6-week and 6-months follow-up when people practiced other-focused kindness without reflection then when participants had practiced self-focused kindness. These findings point to the benefits of practicing kindness for others when people might be at risk for future mental illness. The study also indicates that reflecting about practicing kindness does not seem to have added value.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ernst T Bohlmeijer
- Department of Psychology, Health and Technology, Centre for eHealth and Well-Being Research, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
| | - Marijke Schotanus-Dijkstra
- Department of Psychology, Health and Technology, Centre for eHealth and Well-Being Research, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
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11
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Datu JAD, Valdez JPM, McInerney DM, Cayubit RF. The effects of gratitude and kindness on life satisfaction, positive emotions, negative emotions, and COVID-19 anxiety: An online pilot experimental study. Appl Psychol Health Well Being 2021; 14:347-361. [PMID: 34668323 PMCID: PMC8652666 DOI: 10.1111/aphw.12306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The continuous surge in the number of confirmed diagnoses and fatalities associated with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has caused debilitating economic, educational, social, and psychological issues. However, little is known about how psychological interventions may boost well‐being outcomes amid the pandemic. This research addresses this gap by examining the effects of gratitude and kindness interventions on life satisfaction, positive emotions, negative emotions, and COVID‐19 anxiety via an online pilot experimental study. A 3‐week online pilot experiment was implemented among 107 Filipino undergraduate students (M = 20.27; SD = 1.10). These participants were randomly assigned to kindness (n = 37), gratitude (n = 32), and control (n = 38) conditions. The results showed that there were significant differences on positive emotions when controlling for the baseline well‐being, gratitude, and kindness scores across all conditions (i.e., gratitude, kindness, and control). Participants assigned in the gratitude and kindness conditions had significantly higher scores on positive emotions than those in the control condition. The findings point to the emotional benefits associated with promoting gratitude and kindness during the COVID‐19 pandemic. This research contributes to scarce literature on the applicability of well‐being interventions in non‐Western cultural contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesus Alfonso D Datu
- Department of Special Education and Counselling, Integrated Centre for Wellbeing (i-WELL), The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Jana Patricia M Valdez
- Department of Early Childhood Education, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Dennis M McInerney
- Department of Special Education and Counselling, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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12
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Caprariello PA, Reis HT. “This one’s on me!”: Differential well-being effects of self-centered and recipient-centered motives for spending money on others. MOTIVATION AND EMOTION 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s11031-021-09907-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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13
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14
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A systematic review and meta-analysis of psychological interventions to improve mental wellbeing. Nat Hum Behav 2021; 5:631-652. [PMID: 33875837 DOI: 10.1038/s41562-021-01093-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Our current understanding of the efficacy of psychological interventions in improving mental states of wellbeing is incomplete. This study aimed to overcome limitations of previous reviews by examining the efficacy of distinct types of psychological interventions, irrespective of their theoretical underpinning, and the impact of various moderators, in a unified systematic review and meta-analysis. Four-hundred-and-nineteen randomized controlled trials from clinical and non-clinical populations (n = 53,288) were identified for inclusion. Mindfulness-based and multi-component positive psychological interventions demonstrated the greatest efficacy in both clinical and non-clinical populations. Meta-analyses also found that singular positive psychological interventions, cognitive and behavioural therapy-based, acceptance and commitment therapy-based, and reminiscence interventions were impactful. Effect sizes were moderate at best, but differed according to target population and moderator, most notably intervention intensity. The evidence quality was generally low to moderate. While the evidence requires further advancement, the review provides insight into how psychological interventions can be designed to improve mental wellbeing.
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15
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Shin LJ, Margolis SM, Walsh LC, Kwok SYCL, Yue X, Chan CK, Siu NYF, Sheldon KM, Lyubomirsky S. Cultural Differences in the Hedonic Rewards of Recalling Kindness: Priming Cultural Identity with Language. AFFECTIVE SCIENCE 2021; 2:80-90. [PMID: 36042917 PMCID: PMC9382926 DOI: 10.1007/s42761-020-00029-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Recent theory suggests that members of interdependent (collectivist) cultures prioritize in-group happiness, whereas members of independent (individualist) cultures prioritize personal happiness (Uchida et al. Journal of Happiness Studies, 5(3), 223–239 Uchida et al., 2004). Thus, the well-being of friends and family may contribute more to the emotional experience of individuals with collectivist rather than individualist identities. We tested this hypothesis by asking participants to recall a kind act they had done to benefit either close others (e.g., family members) or distant others (e.g., strangers). Study 1 primed collectivist and individualist cultural identities by asking bicultural undergraduates (N = 357) from Hong Kong to recall kindnesses towards close versus distant others in both English and Chinese, while Study 2 compared university students in the USA (n = 106) and Hong Kong (n = 93). In Study 1, after being primed with the Chinese language (but not after being primed with English), participants reported significantly improved affect valence after recalling kind acts towards friends and family than after recalling kind acts towards strangers. Extending this result, in Study 2, respondents from Hong Kong (but not the USA) who recalled kind acts towards friends and family showed higher positive affect than those who recalled kind acts towards strangers. These findings suggest that people with collectivist cultural identities may have relatively more positive and less negative emotional experiences when they focus on prosocial interactions with close rather than weak ties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilian J. Shin
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA USA
- Department of Health Disparities Research, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1400 Pressler Street, Unit 1440, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Seth M. Margolis
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA USA
| | - Lisa C. Walsh
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA USA
| | - Sylvia Y. C. L. Kwok
- Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Xiaodong Yue
- School of Psychology, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Chi-Keung Chan
- Department of Counselling and Psychology, Hong Kong Shue Yan University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Nicolson Yat-Fan Siu
- Department of Counselling and Psychology, Hong Kong Shue Yan University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Kennon M. Sheldon
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO USA
- Higher School of Economics, National Research University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Sonja Lyubomirsky
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA USA
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Steinemann ST, Geelan BJ, Zaehringer S, Mutuura K, Wolkow E, Frasseck L, Opwis K. Potentials and pitfalls of increasing prosocial behavior and self-efficacy over time using an online personalized platform. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0234422. [PMID: 32584828 PMCID: PMC7316236 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0234422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This longitudinal mixed methods experimental study aimed to better understand the interplay between digital technology exposure over time, self-efficacy, and prosocial behavior in everyday contexts. Methods 66 psychology students tracked their daily prosocial behavior over three weeks. Additionally, half of the participants were randomly assigned to receive access to an online platform, which made personalized suggestions for prosocial actions to complete. Qualitative post-study interviews complemented quantitative measures. Results Platform exposure had no measurable impact beyond that of tracking over time on either prosocial behavior or self-efficacy. Tracking increased self-efficacy to perform everyday prosocial actions, but did not affect self-efficacy to impact change. Prosocial behavior was predicted by self-efficacy to impact change. Enjoyment of the platform predicted completing higher numbers of suggested prosocial actions and was related to a higher likelihood to continue using the platform in the future. Avenues for increasing platform effectiveness include context-specific action personalization, an effective reminder system, and better support for the development of self-efficacy to impact change through meaningful actions. Conclusion Technology for prosocial behavior should be enjoyable, capable of being seamlessly integrated into everyday life, and ensure that suggested actions are perceived as meaningful in order to support the sustainable development of self-efficacy and prosocial behavior over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon T. Steinemann
- Department for General Psychology and Methodology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Basel, Basel, Basel-Stadt, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
| | - Benjamin J. Geelan
- Department for General Psychology and Methodology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Basel, Basel, Basel-Stadt, Switzerland
| | - Stephan Zaehringer
- Department for General Psychology and Methodology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Basel, Basel, Basel-Stadt, Switzerland
| | - Kamalatharsi Mutuura
- Department for General Psychology and Methodology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Basel, Basel, Basel-Stadt, Switzerland
| | - Ewgenij Wolkow
- Department for General Psychology and Methodology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Basel, Basel, Basel-Stadt, Switzerland
| | - Lars Frasseck
- Department for General Psychology and Methodology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Basel, Basel, Basel-Stadt, Switzerland
| | - Klaus Opwis
- Department for General Psychology and Methodology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Basel, Basel, Basel-Stadt, Switzerland
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The Effects of Need Satisfaction and Dissatisfaction on Flourishing among Young Chinese Gamers: The Mediating Role of Internet Gaming Disorder. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16224367. [PMID: 31717399 PMCID: PMC6888209 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16224367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Given the increasing popularity of online game playing, the negative impacts of game addiction on both adolescents and adults attracted our attention. Previous studies based on the self-determination theory have examined the effects of the three basic psychological needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness on problematic video game playing among Chinese young adults. Yet, as more evidence emerged pointing to the possible relation between need dissatisfaction and higher vulnerability for ill-being and psychopathology, the present study aimed to incorporate the impacts of both satisfaction and dissatisfaction for autonomy, competence, and relatedness in explaining Internet gaming disorder (IGD), a condition that may in turn impede eudaimonic well-being as indicated by flourishing. In a self-administered online survey with a valid sample of 1200 Chinese young adults aged 18-24 years (mean age = 19.48 years), the prevalence of probable IGD (for those who reported five or more symptoms in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) symptom list for IGD) was 7.5%. Our results showed that relatedness dissatisfaction positively predicted IGD symptoms after controlling for other need satisfaction and dissatisfaction. Also, flourishing was found to be negatively predicted by IGD. Finally, IGD was found to mediate the effect of relatedness dissatisfaction on flourishing. Our findings suggested a risk factor of relatedness dissatisfaction in predicting IGD, thereby significantly predicting flourishing.
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