Journal Description
Behavioral Sciences
Behavioral Sciences
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on psychology, neuroscience, cognitive science, behavioral biology and behavioral genetics published monthly online by MDPI.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SSCI (Web of Science), PubMed, PMC, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q2 (Psychology, Multidisciplinary) / CiteScore - Q2 (Development)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 21.5 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.6 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
Impact Factor:
2.6 (2022);
5-Year Impact Factor:
3.2 (2022)
Latest Articles
The Way Older Childless Women Value Their Life—A Qualitative Study
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 418; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14050418 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
Older women without children, like all older adults, evaluate their lives and face a conflict between despair and ego integrity as proposed by Erikson’s theory of development. Their uniqueness lies in their deviation from the societal norm of parenthood prevalent in pro-natalist societies
[...] Read more.
Older women without children, like all older adults, evaluate their lives and face a conflict between despair and ego integrity as proposed by Erikson’s theory of development. Their uniqueness lies in their deviation from the societal norm of parenthood prevalent in pro-natalist societies such as Israel. This study aims to explore how older childless women evaluate their lives. Using a qualitative approach, 20 semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with women over 60 years of age who do not have children. Three main themes emerged from the participants’ responses: their experiences as women without children in a pro-natalist society, the significance of freedom in their lives, and their life experiences from conflicting perspectives—an internal and external locus of control. The study’s findings demonstrate that older childless women adeptly utilize different perspectives across various aspects of their lives, contributing to ego integrity, contrary to the prevailing societal notion that in the absence of children, women are damaged and lack identity. It is conceivable that other segments of the older adult population, diverging from mainstream societal norms, may similarly leverage these different perspectives to uphold their ego.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Interactions and Aging)
Open AccessSystematic Review
The Impact of Role Models and Mentors on the Mental and Physical Wellbeing of Sexual and Gender Minorities
by
Jason Cottle, Anna L. Drozdik and Katharine A. Rimes
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 417; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14050417 - 15 May 2024
Abstract
Sexual and gender minorities (SGMs) experience a higher mental health burden compared to their cisgender, heterosexual counterparts. Role models and mentors are important for wellbeing and development; however, little evidence exists exploring their impact on SGM people. This systematic scoping review identifies their
[...] Read more.
Sexual and gender minorities (SGMs) experience a higher mental health burden compared to their cisgender, heterosexual counterparts. Role models and mentors are important for wellbeing and development; however, little evidence exists exploring their impact on SGM people. This systematic scoping review identifies their association with mental and physical wellbeing. Eight databases (Medline, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, ERIC, Science Citation Index, Scopus, EPub and PsychInfo) were searched for eligible publications from 2000 to 2022. Two researchers identified studies, extracted data, completed quality appraisals using CASP checklists, and grouped data into outcomes relating to role model impact. From 501 citations, 12 studies (n = 1468 SGM people aged 15–63 years) were included. Positive role models and mentors encouraged identity acceptance through destigmatisation and positive affirmation, increased SGMs’ psychological wellbeing through improved psychological safety and self-confidence and improved their sexual health knowledge. Potential role models and mentors displaying negative behaviours could cause stigmatisation, as well as reduce identity acceptance and psychological safety. Information regarding the perceived influence of role models and mentors on substance abuse and other physical health outcomes was limited. SGMs report greater benefits from relationships with others of shared minority status, providing incentives to match mentees with role models and mentors who share or empathise with their experiences of marginalization.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Contemporary Perspectives on LGBTQ Psychology and Health)
Open AccessArticle
The Aesthetic Developmental Characteristics of Contour Features in Children and Adolescents with High- and Low-Level Visual Aesthetic Sensitivity across Grade Levels
by
Ju Zhang, Zijia Lu, Yongsheng Wang and Xuejun Bai
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 416; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14050416 - 15 May 2024
Abstract
This study examined the aesthetic developmental characteristics of contour features (curved and sharp corners) among children and adolescents with different levels (high and low) of visual aesthetic sensitivity in three grades (4, 6, and 8). The results revealed that (1) there was a
[...] Read more.
This study examined the aesthetic developmental characteristics of contour features (curved and sharp corners) among children and adolescents with different levels (high and low) of visual aesthetic sensitivity in three grades (4, 6, and 8). The results revealed that (1) there was a significant main effect of contour features, with children and adolescents liking curved contours and perceiving them as more beautiful than sharp-angled contours; (2) there was a significant interaction with contour features in grades 6 and 4, and there was no significant difference in liking curved contours and perceiving them to be more beautiful between students in grades 6 and 4. However, grade 6 students disliked sharp-angled contours and perceived them as more unattractive than grade 4 students; and (3) there was a significant interaction between the level of visual aesthetic sensitivity and contour features, as children and adolescents with both high and low levels of visual aesthetic sensitivity preferred curved contours and considered them more beautiful. However, children and adolescents with high-level visual aesthetic sensitivity disliked sharp-angled contours and considered them more unattractive compared to students with low-level visual aesthetic sensitivity. The results proposed that children and adolescents preferred curved contours, 6th graders were more sensitive to curved contours than 4th graders, and children and adolescents with high-level visual aesthetic sensitivity were more sensitive to sharp-angled contours than children and adolescents with low-level visual aesthetic sensitivity.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cognition)
Open AccessArticle
The Relationship between Parental Autonomy Support and Children’s Self-Concept in China—The Role of Basic Psychological Needs
by
Wei Chen, Ying Sun and Yiqing He
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 415; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14050415 - 15 May 2024
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the relationship between parental autonomy support and children’s self-concept, and to explore the role of basic psychological needs in Chinese primary schools from the perspective of self-determination theory. A total of 3109 children aged 6–13 years participated in
[...] Read more.
This study aimed to investigate the relationship between parental autonomy support and children’s self-concept, and to explore the role of basic psychological needs in Chinese primary schools from the perspective of self-determination theory. A total of 3109 children aged 6–13 years participated in eastern China. The results indicated a significant correlation between parental autonomy support, basic psychological needs, and children’s self-concept. Basic psychological needs play a partial mediating role between parental autonomy support and children’s self-concept. Specifically, autonomy support varied by need types whereas parental control steadily played a negative predictive role. Parental autonomy support and control predicted children’s self-concept differently through three basic psychological needs, with differences across gender and grades. Boys and elder children had stronger relationships to competence needs, while girls were sensitive to autonomy needs; in addition, both of them were sensitive to relatedness needs. The mediating effects model and cross-group analyses revealed the complex predictive role of parental autonomy support on children’s self-concept in China, providing an effective entry point for cross-cultural research and family education to improve children’s psychological well-being.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Developmental Psychology)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
The Association between Cyberbullying Victimization and Depression among Children: A Moderated Mediation Model
by
Kuai Song, Feng-Juan Zhou, Geng-Feng Niu, Cui-Ying Fan and Zong-Kui Zhou
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 414; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14050414 - 15 May 2024
Abstract
Cyberbullying victimization is becoming more prevalent and adversely affects mental health. This research explores the relationship between the two variables and the underlying mechanism, especially for children, as the impact of mental health in childhood might last a lifetime. Primary school students (
[...] Read more.
Cyberbullying victimization is becoming more prevalent and adversely affects mental health. This research explores the relationship between the two variables and the underlying mechanism, especially for children, as the impact of mental health in childhood might last a lifetime. Primary school students (N = 344; Mage = 9.90; 43.90% girls) completed self-report questionnaires regarding cyberbullying victimization, self-perceived social competence, optimism, and depression at school. Gender and grade were controlled as covariates. Depression was positively predicted by cyberbullying victimization, while self-perceived social competence played a partially mediating role. In addition, optimism directly and indirectly moderated the effects of cyberbullying victimization on depression. Specifically, the effects were stronger for children with low levels of optimism. Therefore, efforts to enhance children’s self-perceived social competence and optimism may reduce their depression resulting from cyberbullying victimization.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Child and Adolescent Psychiatry)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Influence of Leaders’ Emotional Labor and Its Perceived Appropriateness on Employees’ Emotional Labor
by
Xiuli Tang and Yingkang Gu
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 413; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14050413 - 15 May 2024
Abstract
Emotional labor is a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of effective leadership. To address this, the current study adopts the Emotion as Social Information (EASI) model as a theoretical framework to investigate the influence of leaders’ emotional labor and perceived appropriateness on employees’
[...] Read more.
Emotional labor is a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of effective leadership. To address this, the current study adopts the Emotion as Social Information (EASI) model as a theoretical framework to investigate the influence of leaders’ emotional labor and perceived appropriateness on employees’ emotional labor. A two (leaders’ emotional labor strategies: surface acting vs. deep acting) by two (perceived appropriateness: appropriate vs. inappropriate) between-subjects experiment was designed with a sample of 120 front-line service employees from hotels in Shanghai. The results showed that regardless of whether the perception of a leader’s surface acting was deemed appropriate or not, employees tended to perform surface acting, while the impact of the perceived appropriateness regarding the leader’s deep acting was different, wherein an appropriate display of deep acting by the leader significantly influenced employees to engage in deep acting themselves. The managerial implications and limitations of the findings are also discussed.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Managing Organizational Behaviors for Sustainable Wellbeing at Work)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Aggressive and Withdrawn Behaviour at School through the Lens of Teachers and Peers: A Qualitative Study
by
Susanna Pallini, Antonia Lonigro, Barbara Barcaccia, Fiorenzo Laghi and Barry H. Schneider
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 412; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14050412 - 15 May 2024
Abstract
We explored teachers’ understanding of children with aggressive or socially withdrawn behaviour in their classes and we associated our findings with a status of rejected, neglected, or popular, as provided by peer nominations. Five kindergarten and elementary school teachers scored their 143 pupils
[...] Read more.
We explored teachers’ understanding of children with aggressive or socially withdrawn behaviour in their classes and we associated our findings with a status of rejected, neglected, or popular, as provided by peer nominations. Five kindergarten and elementary school teachers scored their 143 pupils with the Child Behaviour Checklist for Withdrawal and Aggression. Subsequently, only those children whose scores were 1 standard deviation above the mean for withdrawal or for aggression were included in the final sample (n = 46; Mage = 6.5 years, SD = 1.7; age range = 4–9 years). The final sample included 31 children (21.67%; females = 16) who were assessed as displaying withdrawn behaviour, and 15 (10.48%; females = 5) displaying aggressive behaviour. An open-ended semi-structured interview was administered to teachers, who described children with socially withdrawn behaviour as introverted and untalkative, children with aggressive behaviour as hostile, rule-breaking and highly active, and children with socially withdrawn or aggressive behaviour as isolated, even though different reasons were provided. The results of the sociometric status in children with socially withdrawn or aggressive behaviour are discussed.
Full article
Open AccessArticle
Consumer Psychology of Mysterious Consumption: Embracing Uncertainty through a Perception of Control
by
Wei Ding and Seunghee Han
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 411; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14050411 - 14 May 2024
Abstract
Mysterious consumption, characterized by product purchases without knowledge of their exact nature, is gaining popularity in the modern marketplace. In two online experiments, we examined how consumers’ psychological states, particularly their sense of personal control, influence their perception and intent to purchase mysterious
[...] Read more.
Mysterious consumption, characterized by product purchases without knowledge of their exact nature, is gaining popularity in the modern marketplace. In two online experiments, we examined how consumers’ psychological states, particularly their sense of personal control, influence their perception and intent to purchase mysterious products in the context of purchasing a random flight ticket. Study 1 demonstrated that when consumers experience low personal control, as opposed to high personal control, they are less likely to value the uncertainty inherent in random flight tickets, resulting in decreased purchase intentions. Study 2 revealed that introducing even limited choice options to random flight tickets can enhance consumers’ appreciation of uncertainty, thereby increasing their purchase intention. This effect was especially notable among those initially hesitant to embrace uncertainty, ultimately boosting their intent to purchase. These findings deepen our understanding of consumer psychology surrounding mystery consumption and provide practical insights for marketers seeking to tailor their products and marketing appeals to consumers’ psychological states.
Full article
Open AccessArticle
Utility of Single Items within the Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R): A Bayesian Network Approach and Relative Importance Analysis
by
Jenny Mei Yiu Huen, Augustine Osman, Bob Lew and Paul Siu Fai Yip
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 410; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14050410 - 14 May 2024
Abstract
The Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R) comprises four content-specific items widely used to assess the history of suicide-related thoughts, plans or attempts, frequency of suicidal ideation, communication of intent to die by suicide and self-reported likelihood of a suicide attempt. Each item focuses on
[...] Read more.
The Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R) comprises four content-specific items widely used to assess the history of suicide-related thoughts, plans or attempts, frequency of suicidal ideation, communication of intent to die by suicide and self-reported likelihood of a suicide attempt. Each item focuses on a specific parameter of the suicide-related thoughts and behaviors construct. Past research has primarily focused on the total score. This study used Bayesian network modeling and relative importance analyses on SBQ-R data from 1160 U.S. and 1141 Chinese undergraduate students. The Bayesian network analysis results showed that Item 1 is suitable for identifying other parameters of the suicide-related thoughts and behaviors construct. The results of the relative importance analysis further highlighted the relevancy of each SBQ-R item score when examining evidence for suicide-related thoughts and behaviors. These findings provided empirical support for using the SBQ-R item scores to understand the performances of different suicide-related behavior parameters. Further, they demonstrated the potential value of examining individual item-level responses to offer clinically meaningful insights. To conclude, the SBQ-R allows for the evaluation of each critical suicide-related thought and behavior parameter and the overall suicide risk.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring the Complexity of Internalizing Disorders in Suicidal Youth and Suicide Prevention)
Open AccessArticle
Factors Affecting Sustainability-Related Career Expectations among Engineering Undergraduates in China: An Empirical Study Based on a Modified College Impact Model
by
Wenjing Yuan, Yonghong Ma, Yichu Deng and Xianwei Liu
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 409; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14050409 - 14 May 2024
Abstract
The international engineering education community has reached a consensus regarding the need to enhance engineering students’ awareness of and capability to provide sustainable services in their future careers. Based on a modified college impact model, this study analyzed the impacts of curricular emphasis,
[...] Read more.
The international engineering education community has reached a consensus regarding the need to enhance engineering students’ awareness of and capability to provide sustainable services in their future careers. Based on a modified college impact model, this study analyzed the impacts of curricular emphasis, curricular instruction, and sustainability-related career self-efficacy on the sustainability-related career expectations of engineering students and investigated the moderating effects of gender on the relationships among the research variables. The results show that both curricular emphasis and curricular instruction have direct positive effects on the sustainability-related career expectations of engineering students; sustainability-related career self-efficacy plays a partial mediating role in this process; and gender significantly moderates the influence of curricular emphasis and curricular instruction on sustainability-related career expectations. The findings of this study provide empirical evidence that can be used by higher education institutions and engineering educators to enhance the belief of engineering students in their ability to solve sustainability-related issues in their future careers and promote the diversification of engineering education.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue External Influences in Adolescents’ Career Development)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Understanding the Complexities of Student Learning Progress in Texas: A Study of COVID-19 and Rural vs. Non-Rural Districts
by
Shifang Tang, Zhuoying Wang, Lei Zhang and David Jimenez
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 408; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14050408 - 14 May 2024
Abstract
In this study, we investigate the impact of COVID-19 on academic achievement in Texas public schools. Demographic and Grade 5 STAAR test data were collected from 1155 public school districts for 2018–2019 and 2020–2021. Multiple regression was adopted to analyze the differences between
[...] Read more.
In this study, we investigate the impact of COVID-19 on academic achievement in Texas public schools. Demographic and Grade 5 STAAR test data were collected from 1155 public school districts for 2018–2019 and 2020–2021. Multiple regression was adopted to analyze the differences between rural and non-rural districts, as well as the impact of demographic characteristics on students’ achievement. The results reveal significant differences in demographic characteristics between the two academic years, with non-rural districts exhibiting a greater decline in academic achievement than rural districts. Additionally, the findings suggest that higher teacher salaries correlate with better academic performance across various subjects and that English learners require additional support to acquire content knowledge and skills. We further confirm that the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the academic learning experience of Texas students, with rural districts displaying more resilience than non-rural districts.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Diversity, Identity, and Inclusion in Education, Health, and Work: Ensuring No One Is Left Behind)
Open AccessArticle
Emotion Recognition and Self-Reported Emotion Processing in Alcohol and Cannabis Co-Using Young Adults
by
Anita Cservenka and Lacey C. Donahue
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 407; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14050407 - 14 May 2024
Abstract
Alcohol and cannabis use are each associated with impairments in emotion recognition accuracy, which may promote interpersonal problems. It is unclear if emotion recognition or self-reported emotion processing differs between young adult alcohol and cannabis co-users (ACCs) and healthy controls (HCs). This study
[...] Read more.
Alcohol and cannabis use are each associated with impairments in emotion recognition accuracy, which may promote interpersonal problems. It is unclear if emotion recognition or self-reported emotion processing differs between young adult alcohol and cannabis co-users (ACCs) and healthy controls (HCs). This study examined whether ACCs and HCs differed in their emotion recognition across two different behavioral tasks with static or dynamic faces and determined if there were differences in self-reported socio-emotional processing and alexithymia. 22 ACCs (mean age = 21.27 ± 1.75) and 25 HCs (mean age = 21.48 ± 2.68), matched on age, sex, and IQ, completed the Metrisquare Emotion Recognition Task and CANTAB Emotion Recognition Task. The ACCs and HCs were compared on task accuracy and self-reported measures, including the Social Emotional Questionnaire (SEQ) and the Perth Alexithymia Questionnaire (PAQ). No significant main effects of the Group variable or the Emotion–Group interaction variable were present for either task. The ACCs had lower SEQ (p = 0.014) and higher PAQ (p = 0.024) scores relative to the HCs, indicating greater difficulties in socio-emotional processing and identifying one’s own emotions, respectively. Understanding the behavioral correlates of the self-reported difficulties in emotion processing reported by ACCs is needed to develop interventions to reduce these symptoms and promote healthy socio-emotional functioning in this population.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polysubstance Use among Adolescents and Young Adults: Effects on Brain, Behavior and Health)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Ill, but Still Attractive? The Impact of Mental Illness on Attractiveness Perceptions and Social Judgment
by
Nilüfer Aydin, Miriam Clivia Plewe, Luisa Afra Malin Mahr and Janet Kleber
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 406; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14050406 - 13 May 2024
Abstract
In line with the “beautiful-is-good” heuristic, numerous studies show that physically attractive individuals are perceived in a more positive light. However, building on previous findings suggesting that the “beauty–good” relationship is bidirectional, the present research investigates how information on a stigmatized attribute impacts
[...] Read more.
In line with the “beautiful-is-good” heuristic, numerous studies show that physically attractive individuals are perceived in a more positive light. However, building on previous findings suggesting that the “beauty–good” relationship is bidirectional, the present research investigates how information on a stigmatized attribute impacts attractiveness perceptions and social judgments. Within a controlled experimental design, we present evidence that the mere label of mental illness (i.e., schizophrenia) decreased the positivity of personality evaluations and perceived attractiveness of a male target that had previously been validated to be highly attractive. Consistent with the “good-is-beautiful” heuristic, a mental illness label led to decreased perceptions of attractiveness, which was mediated by the inference of less positive personality characteristics. This finding lends further support for the bidirectional nature of the “beauty–good” relationship and provides a valuable avenue for future research on the multifaceted ways in which the stigma of mental illness affects social perceptions.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Social Psychology)
Open AccessArticle
Exploring Aggressive Behaviors in Greek Secondary Schools: Prevalence, Sociodemographic Factors, and Comparative Analysis with Elementary School Students
by
Argyro Bourou, Petros Karkalousos, Anastasios G. Kriebardis and Effie Papageorgiou
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 405; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14050405 - 13 May 2024
Abstract
The main objectives of this study are to determine the prevalence of bullying in Greek secondary schools and detect the possible characteristics of bullies’ profiles in Greek school settings. A structured questionnaire was given to one hundred ninety-two (n= 192) educators at Greek
[...] Read more.
The main objectives of this study are to determine the prevalence of bullying in Greek secondary schools and detect the possible characteristics of bullies’ profiles in Greek school settings. A structured questionnaire was given to one hundred ninety-two (n= 192) educators at Greek junior high schools in urban and rural areas. The educators were asked to report the frequencies and forms of aggressive behavior observed during the 2022–2023 school year, the bullies’ sociodemographic characteristics, and ways of dealing with bullying episodes. The data are presented, after conducting statistical analyses, in comparison with data for elementary school students. The results revealed that higher rates of bullying were reported compared with elementary school children. Moreover, according to teachers’ observations, aggressive behavior is independent of a pupil’s diagnosis, but specific types are correlated significantly with a pupil’s gender, nationality, low academic performance, and popularity. Factor analysis showed two main factors of aggression types, where common points and differences with elementary school students are mentioned. Implementations for the prevention of school bullying are discussed.
Full article
Open AccessArticle
Trust in Acquaintances, Strangers and Institutions among Individuals of Different Socioeconomic Statuses during Public Health Emergencies: The Moderation of Family Structure and Policy Perception
by
Xueyan Li, Xiaoli Sun and Qianqian Shao
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 404; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14050404 - 13 May 2024
Abstract
►▼
Show Figures
Trust plays a crucial role in effectively responding to public health emergencies. Drawing on COVID-19 survey data conducted in Hubei, China, during August 2020 with a sample size of 5494, this study investigated the influence of individuals’ socioeconomic status on trust in acquaintances,
[...] Read more.
Trust plays a crucial role in effectively responding to public health emergencies. Drawing on COVID-19 survey data conducted in Hubei, China, during August 2020 with a sample size of 5494, this study investigated the influence of individuals’ socioeconomic status on trust in acquaintances, strangers and institutions, and how this relationship is moderated by epidemic prevention, policy perception and family structure. The findings showed that individuals with higher socioeconomic status tend to have higher levels of trust. Those with higher income but being married demonstrate higher trust. When perceiving epidemic prevention policies as stringent, those with higher income display increased trust in acquaintances and institutions; similarly, those with lower education levels exhibit heightened trust in acquaintances and strangers. Individuals working in social organizations express higher trust in strangers; however, their trust is compromised under stringent epidemic prevention policies due to potentially heavier work burdens.
Full article
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Postural Control and Muscle Activity during Dual-Task in Young Adults
by
Marina Saraiva, João Paulo Vilas-Boas and Maria António Castro
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 403; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14050403 - 13 May 2024
Abstract
►▼
Show Figures
In everyday life, we recurrently perform two tasks simultaneously, which is called dual-tasking. A common dual task is smartphone use while standing or walking. According to previous studies, this task can compromise postural stability. However, few studies have analyzed lower limb muscle activity
[...] Read more.
In everyday life, we recurrently perform two tasks simultaneously, which is called dual-tasking. A common dual task is smartphone use while standing or walking. According to previous studies, this task can compromise postural stability. However, few studies have analyzed lower limb muscle activity during dual-tasking using smartphones. This study aimed to assess the postural sway and muscle activity during dual-tasking in young adults. Thirty-six healthy young adults (23.08 ± 3.92 years) participated in this study. They performed a single task (ST: keeping a quiet standing posture) and a dual task (DT: keeping the ST while simultaneously performing a cognitive task on their smartphone). Postural sway was assessed through the center of pressure (CoP) analysis using a force platform: total CoP displacement, CoP displacement in the anterior–posterior and medial–lateral directions, mean total velocity of the CoP, mean velocity of the CoP in the anterior–posterior and medial–lateral directions, and 95% confidence ellipse sway area. A surface electromyography system recorded the muscle activity of the lumbar spinal erector and five muscles of the lower limb (bilaterally). The results showed an increase in postural sway from the ST to the DT in all CoP variables (p < 0.05), and muscle activity in most muscles analyzed decreased from the ST to the DT (p < 0.05). In conclusion, our results reflect a decentralization of attention from motor performance once postural sway increased and muscle activity decreased in dual-task conditions.
Full article
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Drinking While Stressed and Drinking to Cope Differentially Relate to Mental Health
by
Carley Vornlocher and Michelle N. Shiota
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 402; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14050402 - 12 May 2024
Abstract
Excessive alcohol use, as well as drinking to manage distress, are known to undermine mental health. The current study examined the unique associations of simply consuming alcohol while stressed, versus using alcohol to cope with distress, with mental health during the early stages
[...] Read more.
Excessive alcohol use, as well as drinking to manage distress, are known to undermine mental health. The current study examined the unique associations of simply consuming alcohol while stressed, versus using alcohol to cope with distress, with mental health during the early stages of COVID-19. Participants (N = 264) reported their alcohol use and use of alcohol/substances to cope with stress daily for 22 days and completed measures of mental health at baseline and every 7 days thereafter. Hierarchical regression models were tested to predict drinking while stressed, drinking to cope, and mental health. At baseline, drinking while stressed was not significantly associated with mental health when coping motives were accounted for. However, drinking to cope was significantly associated with greater stress, anxiety, depression, and loneliness. Drinking while stressed was significantly predicted by baseline stress and loneliness, while drinking to cope was significantly predicted by baseline anxiety. Drinking while stressed was not a significant predictor of change in mental health when coping motives were accounted for. Drinking to cope was a significant predictor of increases in depression but not of change in stress, anxiety, or loneliness. The motivation to manage distress appears to be driving the negative effects of alcohol use on mental health.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Stress and Drinking)
Open AccessArticle
Hierarchical Constraints on the Distribution of Attention in Dynamic Displays
by
Haokui Xu, Jifan Zhou and Mowei Shen
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 401; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14050401 - 11 May 2024
Abstract
►▼
Show Figures
Human vision is remarkably good at recovering the latent hierarchical structure of dynamic scenes. Here, we explore how visual attention operates with this hierarchical motion representation. The way in which attention responds to surface physical features has been extensively explored. However, we know
[...] Read more.
Human vision is remarkably good at recovering the latent hierarchical structure of dynamic scenes. Here, we explore how visual attention operates with this hierarchical motion representation. The way in which attention responds to surface physical features has been extensively explored. However, we know little about how the distribution of attention can be distorted by the latent hierarchical structure. To explore this topic, we conducted two experiments to investigate the relationship between minimal graph distance (MGD), one key factor in hierarchical representation, and attentional distribution. In Experiment 1, we constructed three hierarchical structures consisting of two moving objects with different MGDs. In Experiment 2, we generated three moving objects from one hierarchy to eliminate the influence of different structures. Attention was probed by the classic congruent–incongruent cueing paradigm. Our results show that the cueing effect is significantly smaller when the MGD between two objects is shorter, which suggests that attention is not evenly distributed across multiple moving objects but distorted by their latent hierarchical structure. As neither the latent structure nor the graph distance was part of the explicit task, our results also imply that both the construction of hierarchical representation and the attention to that representation are spontaneous and automatic.
Full article
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Empathy and Coping Strategies Predict Quality of Life in Japanese Healthcare Professionals
by
Kotaro Shoji, Norihito Noguchi, Fumiko Waki, Taku Saito, Masato Kitano, Naoki Edo, Minori Koga, Hiroyuki Toda, Nobuhisa Kobayashi, Takehito Sawamura and Masanori Nagamine
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 400; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14050400 - 11 May 2024
Abstract
Burnout and secondary traumatic stress (STS), also referred to as compassion fatigue, are undeniable negative consequences experienced by healthcare professionals when working with patients. As frontline healthcare professionals are essential to communities, it is crucial to understand their mental health and how they
[...] Read more.
Burnout and secondary traumatic stress (STS), also referred to as compassion fatigue, are undeniable negative consequences experienced by healthcare professionals when working with patients. As frontline healthcare professionals are essential to communities, it is crucial to understand their mental health and how they cope with negative psychological responses. This study investigated the relationships between burnout, STS, compassion satisfaction, dispositional empathy, and stress management among Japanese healthcare professionals and students taking care of patients in clinical practice. The participants were 506 Japanese healthcare professionals and students (doctors, nurses, medical students, and nursing students) affiliated with Japanese Ministry of Defense Hospitals. The data were collected from March 2020 to May 2021. We assessed burnout, STS, and compassion satisfaction using the Professional Quality of Life Scale, dispositional empathy using the Interpersonal Reactivity Index, and coping with stress using the Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced Inventory (Brief-COPE). Exploratory factor analysis of the Brief-COPE yielded three factors: active coping; support-seeking; and indirect coping. Personal distress, a self-oriented emotional empathy index, was related to higher burnout and STS scores and lower compassion satisfaction. Empathic concern, an other-oriented emotional empathy index, was associated with lower burnout and higher compassion satisfaction. Active coping strategies were associated with lower burnout and higher compassion satisfaction, whereas indirect coping strategies were associated with higher burnout and STS scores. In a comparison of empathy in professional categories, nurses presented higher personal distress than nursing students, and medical doctors showed lower fantasy tendencies than medical students. These results imply the complex relationships between empathy, coping strategies, and psychological responses among healthcare professionals. Further longitudinal study is needed to explore these complex relationships and to develop more precise and effective psycho-educational interventions to prevent burnout and STS.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trauma, Resilience and Mental Health)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Social–Emotional Competence among School-Aged Children in the Chinese Context: Validation of the Washoe County School District Social–Emotional Competency Assessment
by
Rebecca Y. M. Cheung and Ocean O. S. Ng
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 399; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14050399 - 10 May 2024
Abstract
The present study aims to validate the 40-item and the brief 17-item Washoe County School District Social–Emotional Competency Assessment (WCSD-SECA), a self-report measure of social–emotional competencies, among Chinese school-aged children residing in Hong Kong. A total of 349 children (M = 9.86
[...] Read more.
The present study aims to validate the 40-item and the brief 17-item Washoe County School District Social–Emotional Competency Assessment (WCSD-SECA), a self-report measure of social–emotional competencies, among Chinese school-aged children residing in Hong Kong. A total of 349 children (M = 9.86 years, SD = 1.22; 45.82% girls) and their parents (77.84% mothers) completed a set of questionnaires independently. The factor structure of both versions of the WCSD-SECA was assessed via confirmatory factor analyses. Structural equation models were then conducted to examine the predictive validity of the WCSD-SECA. The findings indicated that both the 40-item and the 17-item versions of the WCSD-SECA fit the data adequately. Both versions were also associated with self-reported positive and negative affect and parent-reported internalizing problems and externalizing problems. Additionally, social–emotional competencies as measured by the 40-item version were significantly associated with parent-reported prosocial behavior, whereas those as measured by the 17-item version were associated with prosocial behavior with a marginal significance. The findings demonstrated an adequate factor structure and predictive validity of the full version and the brief version of the WCSD-SECA in assessing social–emotional competencies. Hence, they serve as a useful tool for researchers, educators, and mental health practitioners to evaluate school-aged children’s social–emotional competencies in the Chinese context.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social-Emotional Competence: Theories, Correlates, and Measures)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Journal Menu
► ▼ Journal Menu-
- Behavioral Sciences Home
- Aims & Scope
- Editorial Board
- Reviewer Board
- Topical Advisory Panel
- Instructions for Authors
- Special Issues
- Topics
- Sections
- Article Processing Charge
- Indexing & Archiving
- Editor’s Choice Articles
- Most Cited & Viewed
- Journal Statistics
- Journal History
- Journal Awards
- Editorial Office
Journal Browser
► ▼ Journal BrowserHighly Accessed Articles
Latest Books
E-Mail Alert
News
Topics
Topic in
Behavioral Sciences, Children, Healthcare, IJERPH, Nutrients
Economics of Public Health: Assessment of Health Interventions
Topic Editors: Ce Shang, Amanda J. Quisenberry, Yingning WangDeadline: 30 June 2024
Topic in
AI, Behavioral Sciences, EJIHPE
The Future of AI and Education: Chat GPT on Learning and Teaching Behaviours
Topic Editors: Xuesong Zhai, Andreja Istenic StarcicDeadline: 19 August 2024
Topic in
Algorithms, Behavioral Sciences, Societies, Technologies
Getting Insight into How Different Chatbots Answer the Same Questions and How Reliable They Are
Topic Editors: Eugène Loos, Loredana IvanDeadline: 1 September 2024
Topic in
Behavioral Sciences, COVID, EJIHPE, Societies, IJERPH, Healthcare
Cultural Differences and Migrant Mental Health in the Age of COVID-19
Topic Editors: Vsevolod Konstantinov, Andrés Alexis Ramírez CoronelDeadline: 30 September 2024
Conferences
Special Issues
Special Issue in
Behavioral Sciences
From Neuron to Neuropathology: Innovation in Conceptual Frameworks, Diagnosis, Interventions and Treatment
Guest Editors: Lynne A. Barker, Nick Morton, Rebecca DennissDeadline: 20 May 2024
Special Issue in
Behavioral Sciences
Understanding Youth Knowledge, Behaviors and Conditions concerning Mental Health
Guest Editors: Christine Grove, Ilaria Montagni, Joanne RiebschlegerDeadline: 31 May 2024
Special Issue in
Behavioral Sciences
The Role of Synaptic Plasticity in Animal Behavior and the Development of Psychiatric Disorders
Guest Editors: Jacopo Lamanna, Mattia FerroDeadline: 15 June 2024
Special Issue in
Behavioral Sciences
Health Behavior Change: Theories, Methods, and Interventions
Guest Editors: Martin S. Hagger, Kyra Hamilton, Susette MoyersDeadline: 30 June 2024