Journal Description
European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education
European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education
is a peer-reviewed, scientific journal that publishes original articles and systematic reviews or meta-analyses related to research on human development throughout the life cycle. The journal is owned by the University Association of Education and Psychology (previously published under the print ISSN 2174-8144) and is published monthly online by MDPI (since Volume 10, Issue 1 - 2020).
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, ESCI (Web of Science), PMC, PubMed, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: CiteScore - Q2 (Clinical Psychology)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 20.1 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:
3.2 (2022);
5-Year Impact Factor:
2.8 (2022)
Latest Articles
Resilience and Social Support Improve Mental Health and Quality of Life in Patients with Post-COVID-19 Syndrome
Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2024, 14(1), 230-242; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe14010015 - 15 Jan 2024
Abstract
Physical and mental health problems among post-COVID-19 patients are common, even a year after infection. As there is no prior study available, we investigated the impacts of resilience and social support on anxiety, depression, and quality of life among patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome.
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Physical and mental health problems among post-COVID-19 patients are common, even a year after infection. As there is no prior study available, we investigated the impacts of resilience and social support on anxiety, depression, and quality of life among patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome. We conducted a cross-sectional study with a convenience sample. The measures included the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients, the Brief Resilience Scale, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4), and the EuroQol-5D-3L. The mean age of patients was 44.8 years. The total PHQ-4 score suggested that 32.8% of patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome experienced severe psychological distress, 32.8% experienced moderate distress, 23% experienced mild distress, and 11.5% had no distress. Moreover, 60.7% of patients had anxiety scores of ≥3 and 69.7% had depression scores of ≥3, indicating possible major anxiety or depression disorder. The mean EQ-5D-3L index value was 0.36, and the mean EQ-5D-3L VAS was 54.1. Multivariable analysis identified that resilience and social support reduced anxiety and depression among patients. Also, we found a significant positive relationship between resilience and social support, and quality of life. Our findings suggest that resilience and social support can be protective by reducing anxiety and depression and improving quality of life among patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome. Policymakers should develop and implement healthcare management programs to provide psychological support to these patients.
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Open AccessReview
Climate Change Perception and Mental Health. Results from a Systematic Review of the Literature
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Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2024, 14(1), 215-229; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe14010014 - 12 Jan 2024
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Climate change is one of the main global challenges and influences various aspects of human health. Numerous studies have indeed demonstrated an association between extreme climate-related events and physical and mental health outcomes, but little is still known about the association between the
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Climate change is one of the main global challenges and influences various aspects of human health. Numerous studies have indeed demonstrated an association between extreme climate-related events and physical and mental health outcomes, but little is still known about the association between the perception/awareness of climate change and mental health. In accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a search was conducted on PubMed and Scopus. The protocol was registered on PROSPERO. The included studies were original observational studies published in English, reporting the association between the perception/awareness of climate change and mental health. A total of 3018 articles were identified. A total of 10 observational studies were included. The period covered in the included studies ranged between 2012 and 2022. Climate change perception is consistently associated with adverse mental health effects across different types of estimates. In particular, the studies identified an association between a higher level of perception/awareness of climate change and depression, anxiety, eco-anxiety, stress, adjustment disorder, substance use, dysphoria, and even thoughts of suicide. Qualitative data underscore the impact on daily activities, contributing to feelings of loss and suicidal ideation. Moreover, climate change perception correlates with lower well-being and resilience. The association between awareness of climate change and mental health is a complex and still poorly explored phenomenon. The main limitations are the high heterogeneity in terms of exposure assessment and data reporting, which hinders quantitative analysis. These results show that climate change perception impacts mental health. Better understanding the phenomenon represents an opportunity to inform public health interventions that promote mental well-being.
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Open AccessArticle
Factors Contributing to the Health of 0- to 5-Year-Old Low-Birth-Weight Children in the United States: Application of the Multiple Disadvantage Model
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Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2024, 14(1), 203-214; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe14010013 - 09 Jan 2024
Abstract
This secondary data analysis of 1731 low-birth-weight children and their parents in the United States investigated children’s health and its associations with social disorganization, social structural factors, social relationships, health/mental health, and access to health insurance/services. The study drew on data from the
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This secondary data analysis of 1731 low-birth-weight children and their parents in the United States investigated children’s health and its associations with social disorganization, social structural factors, social relationships, health/mental health, and access to health insurance/services. The study drew on data from the 2021 National Survey of Children’s Health. Logistic regression yielded results showing low-birth-weight children’s excellent/very good/good health to be associated positively with parents’ education and health. In turn, child health was associated negatively with being Black, having a family income at or below the 100% federal poverty level, difficulty parenting the child, child chronic health condition(s), parent mental health, and substance use in the family. The implications of the present findings in terms of interventions promoting maternal and child health as well as participation in government assistance programs for low-income families are discussed.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Disparities: The Emerging Trends and Pressing Challenges)
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Development of a New Scale to Assess Students’ Autodetermination At School (AAS)
Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2024, 14(1), 181-202; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe14010012 - 06 Jan 2024
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The Autodetermination At School (AAS) hetero-evaluative scale was created and validated in a French teacher population with the aim of quantifying, in an ecological way, the commitment at school of elementary students. After establishing the scale’s face validity, AAS was tested with an
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The Autodetermination At School (AAS) hetero-evaluative scale was created and validated in a French teacher population with the aim of quantifying, in an ecological way, the commitment at school of elementary students. After establishing the scale’s face validity, AAS was tested with an exploratory factor analysis, a confirmatory factor analysis, a convergent validity analysis, a test–retest analysis and an inter-individual analysis. The EFA highlighted three distinct factors and the CFA validated the reliability of a three-factor model for AAS with relevant fits and indices. The first dimension concerns teacher perception of academic commitment, reflecting both child performance and autonomous motivation. The second and third ones reflect teacher perception of the child’s social commitment, to their peers as well as to their teacher. Consequently, AAS is a useful, reliable and robust psychometric instrument that emphases how intrinsic motivation and performance are closely linked. It also considers the importance of social child commitment at school. The inter-individual analysis revealed trends of grade, gender and school environment effects.
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Open AccessArticle
Academic Success at Social Costs: An Exploratory Study on Social Networks of Chinese Students under Academic Streaming
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Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2024, 14(1), 164-180; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe14010011 - 04 Jan 2024
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In universities that require students to reside in dormitories, there are two types of social networks—study/classroom-based and social/dorm room-based. The academic streaming system may disrupt study/classroom connections, but its impact on students’ social networks is unknown. Using self-reported surveys, this study examines ego
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In universities that require students to reside in dormitories, there are two types of social networks—study/classroom-based and social/dorm room-based. The academic streaming system may disrupt study/classroom connections, but its impact on students’ social networks is unknown. Using self-reported surveys, this study examines ego network measures of network sizes, turnover, multiplexity, and diversity among 382 students (44% female, 56% male). Surveys were administered before and after the university employed a first-semester grade-point average to demote or promote students into an honours college. Follow-up interviews were conducted with 11 honours students staying within their track and 11 students who were re-streamed to the non-honours track. Quantitative results showed that students in the non-honours college and who remained there had increasingly overlapping friendship circles between study and social environments, along with more diverse social connections, indicating stronger networks. In contrast, honours participants experienced fewer overlapping networks across domains and less dispersed social ties, especially after the academic replacement process. Qualitative results showed that the honours students faced a trade-off between academic success and social engagement in maintaining their elite status. Re-streamed students experienced otherness in social groups and decreased psychological wellbeing. This study contributes to the application of network analysis in education and provides insights into the unintended consequences of educational practice on students’ social networks.
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Open AccessArticle
Family Functioning Styles and Exercise Addiction: Disengaged, Enmeshed, and Rigid Family Patterns Are Associated with Exercise Addiction
Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2024, 14(1), 148-163; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe14010010 - 03 Jan 2024
Abstract
Physical exercise is a widely recommended practice for promoting health, but for some individuals, this activity can result in pathological and morbid behaviour. Therefore, the study of the factors contributing to the onset, development, and progression of exercise addiction is particularly relevant. Within
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Physical exercise is a widely recommended practice for promoting health, but for some individuals, this activity can result in pathological and morbid behaviour. Therefore, the study of the factors contributing to the onset, development, and progression of exercise addiction is particularly relevant. Within this framework, the present study assessed the effect of family functioning, body image concerns, age, and gender on exercise addiction. A sample of 300 regular exercisers (Mage = 30.3 years, SD = 11.6; 69.7% females, 30.3% males) participated in the study and completed the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales–IV, Body Image Concern Inventory, and Exercise Addiction Inventory. Data were analysed by implementing a series of moderated moderated-mediations. Results showed that three significant models were relevant. First, positive associations of disengaged (p < 0.05), enmeshed (p < 0.05), and rigid (p < 0.01) family functioning with exercise addiction were found. Furthermore, body image concerns mediated all these relationships, and the interaction between gender and age significantly moderated the effects of body image concerns on exercise addiction (p < 0.05). Such data may be useful for a deeper understanding of the variables associated with the development of exercise addiction, suggesting key elements on which it might be useful to focus in clinical and/or preventive activity.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Positive Body Image among Adolescents)
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Injury as a Result of Children and Adolescent Labor—An Association with Ethnicity and Peripherality: A Retrospective Cohort Study Based on the Israeli Trauma Registry
Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2024, 14(1), 133-147; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe14010009 - 31 Dec 2023
Abstract
Background: Working children and adolescents face a heightened risk of work-related injuries. This research aimed to assess the rate of hospitalizations resulting from work-related injuries among children and adolescents in Israel, with a specific focus on disadvantaged populations. Methods: This nationwide retrospective cohort
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Background: Working children and adolescents face a heightened risk of work-related injuries. This research aimed to assess the rate of hospitalizations resulting from work-related injuries among children and adolescents in Israel, with a specific focus on disadvantaged populations. Methods: This nationwide retrospective cohort study utilized The Israeli National Trauma Registry (INTR). It included 642 children and adolescents aged 13–17 hospitalized due to work-related injuries from 2015–2022. Results: Arab children had over five times the risk of hospitalization due to work-related injuries compared to Jewish (RR = 5.5, 95% CI: 4.7–7.4). Despite the 2018 law prohibiting young people from entering this type of work, the most common type of work leading to hospitalization was construction, accounting for 40.2% of Arab and 11.9% of Jewish injuries (p < 0.001). After adjustment, road traffic accidents and falls presented the highest odds of at least severe injury. Arabs had three times significantly higher odds of at least moderate injury compared to Jews. Conclusions: Prioritizing the creation of safe job opportunities for Arab teenagers is imperative. Strict enforcement measures, particularly within the construction industry, especially among Arab youth and during night shifts, are essential. These initiatives should focus on establishing secure and sustainable employment opportunities for children and young individuals, effectively reducing the risks associated with hazardous labor practices. In addition, the implementation of educational programs in the school curriculum covering essential aspects of youth employment is vital.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Disparities: The Emerging Trends and Pressing Challenges)
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Time Balance and Family Functioning: The Role of Time Perspective in the Cohesion and Adaptability of Families with Adolescents
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Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2024, 14(1), 117-132; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe14010008 - 29 Dec 2023
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Family functioning, understood as cohesion and adaptability, is critical in families with adolescent children, given the changes that this stage implies at the family level. Time perspective is one variable that can facilitate better family functioning through the way people give meaning to
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Family functioning, understood as cohesion and adaptability, is critical in families with adolescent children, given the changes that this stage implies at the family level. Time perspective is one variable that can facilitate better family functioning through the way people give meaning to the process they live. In this study, we examined the relationship between family functioning and the time perspective of adolescent children’s parents. The FACES IV and ZTPI were administered to 276 parents of adolescents. Regression analyses indicated that the past positive, past negative, and future scores predicted family cohesion and adaptability, explaining at least 20% of the variance. Balanced families, with greater cohesion and adaptability, presented a higher level of past positive and future-oriented temporal perspectives, compared to unbalanced families, which presented a greater orientation to the past negative and deviated from the balanced temporal profile. The importance of considering the inter-relationship between family functioning and time perspective was discussed, considering its impact on the health and well-being of families with adolescents.
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Open AccessArticle
Big Five Personality Traits and Compulsive Buying: The Mediating Role of Self-Esteem
Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2024, 14(1), 103-116; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe14010007 - 29 Dec 2023
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The inter-relationships between the Big Five personality traits, self-esteem, and compulsive buying are supported by strong empirical evidence. What is yet unknown is to what extent self-esteem can channel the influence of personality traits on compulsive buying. The main objective of this study
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The inter-relationships between the Big Five personality traits, self-esteem, and compulsive buying are supported by strong empirical evidence. What is yet unknown is to what extent self-esteem can channel the influence of personality traits on compulsive buying. The main objective of this study is to explore the possible mediating role of self-esteem in the link between the Big Five personality traits and compulsive buying. Path analysis results, using a sample of 487 university students, generally confirm the suitability of the proposed model in which self-esteem mediated the effects of the Big Five personality traits (neuroticism, extraversion, agreeableness, openness to experience, and conscientiousness) on compulsive buying. Moreover, a direct effect of neuroticism and conscientiousness on compulsive buying was found. Finally, based on the finding that self-esteem acts as a necessary filter in the analysis of the five factors–compulsive buying relationship, several action-oriented guidelines for the prevention or intervention of this behavioral problem are suggested.
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Open AccessArticle
Physical Activity Time, Alcohol Consumption, Mediterranean Diet, and Anxiety in Education Science Students
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, , , , and
Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2024, 14(1), 87-102; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe14010006 - 25 Dec 2023
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Student lifestyles change during university. This research aimed to classify university students according to their levels of physical activity, alcohol consumption, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and anxiety and studied the relationships between the variables using a multigroup equation model according to gender.
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Student lifestyles change during university. This research aimed to classify university students according to their levels of physical activity, alcohol consumption, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and anxiety and studied the relationships between the variables using a multigroup equation model according to gender. The sample was composed of 549 participants (M = 23.06; S.D. = 6.22), of whom 409 were women and 140 were men. Validated and adapted instruments such as the Beck Anxiety Inventory, the PREDIMED Questionnaire, and the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test were used. The data revealed four clusters through Ward’s method and the k-means method. Regarding the exploratory model, differences were found in the effects of the variables according to sex. In conclusion, alcohol consumption was positively associated with the Mediterranean diet, and physical activity was negatively associated with the Mediterranean diet and anxiety.
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Open AccessArticle
An Ecological Inquiry on Young People’s Suicidal Ideation at University: Individual, Relational and Cultural Factors and Their Interactions
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, , and
Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2024, 14(1), 64-86; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe14010005 - 25 Dec 2023
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To understand the factors related to suicidal ideation in university students, we examined individual and microsystemic variables with an ecological model organizing bidirectional influences between different dimensions. Suicidal ideation, psychological distress, multidimensional self-concept, loneliness, community social support, life satisfaction, family functioning, bullying victimization,
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To understand the factors related to suicidal ideation in university students, we examined individual and microsystemic variables with an ecological model organizing bidirectional influences between different dimensions. Suicidal ideation, psychological distress, multidimensional self-concept, loneliness, community social support, life satisfaction, family functioning, bullying victimization, and problematic use of virtual social networks were measured in a sample of 376 Mexican university students (67% women) from 18 to 34 years of age (M = 20.8). Data were collected in March 2020, before mandatory confinement for COVID started in Mexico. Discriminant analyses showed that psychological distress, loneliness, self-concept, life satisfaction, family functioning, internet violence/rejection, and informal social support predicted belonging to high or no suicidal ideation groups with 88% accuracy. Only psychological distress and family self-concept predicted suicidal ideation in multilinear regression analyses. There were differences by gender in multilinear regression, with family self-concept significant for women and physical self-concept, but not family self-concept for boys. Conclusions: Early Suicide prevention in universities should include periodic screening of psychological distress, loneliness, and virtual social media use to identify students that need further evaluation and intervention. University-based strategies of mental health promotion that strengthen family relationships and the sense of community, including gender-sensitive orientation, could enhance the effect of protective factors.
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Open AccessArticle
The Individual Work Performance Questionnaire: Psychometric Properties of the Italian Version
Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2024, 14(1), 49-63; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe14010004 - 22 Dec 2023
Abstract
Individual work performance can be defined as individual behaviour capable of generating value and a competitive advantage for the organization. Furthermore, this construct is linked to other fundamental variables that constitute worker well-being, such as job satisfaction and engagement. Although important, a complete
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Individual work performance can be defined as individual behaviour capable of generating value and a competitive advantage for the organization. Furthermore, this construct is linked to other fundamental variables that constitute worker well-being, such as job satisfaction and engagement. Although important, a complete measure of individual work performance is still lacking in the Italian context. The objective of this work is to validate the Individual Work Performance Questionnaire (IWPQ) within the Italian organisational context. The IWPQ is a multi-dimensional construct consisting of task performance, contextual performance, and counterproductive work behavior. To investigate the psychometric properties of the Italian IWPQ, 1053 participants were enrolled, whose ages ranged between 19 and 69 years. EFA, CFA, and MCFA analyses were performed to test the structural factors of the IWPQ. The results supported the validity of the IWPQ in the Italian context; the final structure consisted of 17 items. Multigroup confirmatory factor analysis showed that the factor solution was invariant across both gender and occupational categories and found evidence of metric, uniqueness, scalar, and structural invariance. Convergent validity was also tested and demonstrated. Adequate studies on the importance of individual performance can be used to better understand and distinguish the different components affecting performance.
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Open AccessArticle
Vaccine Hesitancy in Israel: Exploring the Relationships with Vaccination History, Knowledge, and Attitudes towards Influenza Vaccines
Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2024, 14(1), 37-48; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe14010003 - 22 Dec 2023
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Influenza vaccination is a highly effective strategy for mitigating all the repercussions of influenza infections. Despite the potential severity of influenza and the accessibility of secure vaccinations, worldwide rates of influenza vaccination continue to be low, particularly among students. This study examines the
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Influenza vaccination is a highly effective strategy for mitigating all the repercussions of influenza infections. Despite the potential severity of influenza and the accessibility of secure vaccinations, worldwide rates of influenza vaccination continue to be low, particularly among students. This study examines the correlative relationships between influenza vaccine history, knowledge, attitudes toward influenza vaccines, and vaccine hesitancy among college students. To that end, we used an online questionnaire to conduct a cross-sectional study encompassing 610 students. A significant majority of participants reported having experienced influenza (82%), with slightly more than half having received influenza vaccinations in the past (57%). With respect to the current research year, health sciences students exhibited a higher likelihood of either having been vaccinated or intending to receive the vaccine than did their counterparts. Among students who had been vaccinated previously, approximately one-fifth opted for vaccination in the present year (21%). Similarly, 22% of the students whose parents were vaccinated chose to get vaccinated this year. Notable disparities in knowledge about influenza vaccines were observed across various departments, with health sciences students demonstrating the highest levels of awareness. Moreover, a negative relationship was found between knowledge, attitudes, and vaccine hesitancy. These results suggest that targeted lectures by professionals emphasizing vaccine safety and university-hosted events addressing this subject in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, incorporating influenza vaccination stations, could be instrumental in bolstering the vaccination rate.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promoters and Barriers of Vaccination)
Open AccessArticle
Preschool Teachers’ Cognitions, Emotions, and Tolerance toward Children’s Hypothetical Social Behaviors in the Classroom
Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2024, 14(1), 18-36; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe14010002 - 20 Dec 2023
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Teachers’ tolerance toward children’s social behaviors is, in part, guided by teachers’ cognitions and emotions. Few studies have examined the associations between teachers’ cognitions, emotions, and tolerance toward children’s social behaviors. This study aimed to (1) describe the cognitions, emotions, and tolerance of
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Teachers’ tolerance toward children’s social behaviors is, in part, guided by teachers’ cognitions and emotions. Few studies have examined the associations between teachers’ cognitions, emotions, and tolerance toward children’s social behaviors. This study aimed to (1) describe the cognitions, emotions, and tolerance of Portuguese preschool teachers toward children’s shy, physically and relationally aggressive, rough-and-tumble play, exuberant, and unsociable behaviors at preschool, depending on children’s sex; and (2) examine the direct and indirect associations (via teachers’ emotions) between teachers’ cognitions and tolerance toward children’s social behaviors, depending on children’s sex. One hundred and seven preschool teachers completed the Child Behaviors Vignettes. Preschool teachers displayed more negative views toward children’s physical and relational aggression, reported positive perspectives toward children’s rough play and mixed attitudes toward children’s exuberance, and differentiated shy from unsociable behaviors. Direct associations between teachers’ cognitions and tolerance were found only for physical aggression. Teachers’ anticipation of negative peer costs and academic performance appear to exert an indirect influence on teachers’ tolerance toward physical aggression and unsociability, via increased levels of worry. These findings highlight the role of teachers’ emotions for tolerance toward children’s social behaviors and the need to enhance their self-awareness.
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Open AccessArticle
The Impact of a School Dog on Children’s Social Inclusion and Social Climate in a School Class
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Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2024, 14(1), 1-17; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe14010001 - 19 Dec 2023
Abstract
Animal-assisted pedagogy is well known in classroom practice, but scientific evidence of its impact on teaching and learning conditions is still lacking. At the same time, the biggest challenge in education systems worldwide is the social inclusion of students. In a pre–post design,
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Animal-assisted pedagogy is well known in classroom practice, but scientific evidence of its impact on teaching and learning conditions is still lacking. At the same time, the biggest challenge in education systems worldwide is the social inclusion of students. In a pre–post design, 30 heterogeneous students (16 f/14 m) from four different school classes (grades 5–8) of two secondary schools and one grammar school were interviewed (in a problem-centered interview) about their social inclusion and their social climate in class before and after being taught selected subjects with a school dog for one school term. At the second measurement point, participants were also asked about their perception of animal-assisted pedagogy. The qualitative data analysis (Kuckartz) showed that the presence of a dog leads to an improved social climate, more social integration and to a change in social roles; therefore, we discussed our findings in the context of role theory (Krappmann). In addition, we found that the mutual perception of the other students and the teacher changes to a more positive and friendlier image. Through animal-assisted pedagogy, a new social role is added to the classroom, where caring and bonding are prioritized. Social interaction and norms are influenced and stereotypical and individual roles can be changed. Therefore, animal-assisted pedagogy can be key to promoting social inclusion in the school environment.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Animals on Children’s Health, Development and Wellbeing)
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Open AccessReview
Prevention of Work Absence Due to Back Pain: A Network Meta-Analysis
Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2023, 13(12), 2891-2903; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe13120200 - 10 Dec 2023
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This paper reviewed the most effective strategies for preventing work absence due to back pain (BP) and BP episodes (the number of people reporting back pain). We searched randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of prevention strategies for BP from previous meta-analyses, PubMed, CENTRAL, and
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This paper reviewed the most effective strategies for preventing work absence due to back pain (BP) and BP episodes (the number of people reporting back pain). We searched randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of prevention strategies for BP from previous meta-analyses, PubMed, CENTRAL, and Embase and conducted a network meta-analysis. Thirteen RCTs (2033 participants) were included. Low- to high-quality evidence showed that exercise combined with ergonomics, education, back belts, and education combined with ergonomics did not prevent sickness absenteeism or BP episodes. There was moderate-quality evidence that exercise, especially resistance exercise, was the best prevention strategy to reduce the number of people reporting absenteeism due to BP (risk ratio [RR] = 0.10; 95% CI: 0.01 to 0.69). Moderate-quality evidence suggested that resistance and stretching exercises combined with education was the best prevention strategy to reduce pain (RR = 0.80; 95% CI: 0.67 to 0.96) and the number of absenteeism days for BP (standardized mean difference [SMD] = −0.39; 95% CI: −0.77 to −0.02). In conclusion, exercise, especially resistance and stretching exercises, and exercise combined with education were ranked as the best interventions to prevent sickness absenteeism and BP episodes.
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Open AccessArticle
The Relationship between Jealousy and Mate Retention Strategies in Romantic Relationships among Women during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2023, 13(12), 2877-2890; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe13120199 - 08 Dec 2023
Abstract
Jealousy and mate retention have received attention in research over the last few decades. Despite this, most of the research has examined male jealousy and male mate retention, emphasizing cost-inflicting behavior due to its role in relationships and domestic violence. The aim of
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Jealousy and mate retention have received attention in research over the last few decades. Despite this, most of the research has examined male jealousy and male mate retention, emphasizing cost-inflicting behavior due to its role in relationships and domestic violence. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between jealousy and all mate retention strategies in romantic relationships among women during the COVID-19 pandemic. The sample consisted of 772 Croatian women aged 19 to 40 who were in a heterosexual relationship at the time. This study was conducted online, and the participants completed the Multidimensional Jealousy Scale and Mate Retention Inventory. The results showed that cognitive, emotional, and behavioral jealousy were positively correlated with all mate retention strategies, which indicates that a stronger experience of jealousy can be expected to result in more frequent use of all partner retention strategies. We also found that all three dimensions of jealousy and relationship length positively predicted both cost-inflicting and benefit-provisioning mate retention behavior, whereas age was a negative predictor of benefit-provisioning behavior only. The findings of this study suggest that, although jealousy can substantially explain interpersonally risky and damaging behavior in relationships, it can also explain affectionate and attentive behavior, to some extent.
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Open AccessArticle
On the Construct of Functional Psychology’s Developmental Theory: Basic Experiences of the Self (BEsS)
Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2023, 13(12), 2863-2876; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe13120198 - 04 Dec 2023
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According to the neo-functional developmental theory, newborns and infants exhibit complex psycho-bodily functioning. The Basic Experiences of the Self (BEsS) refer to how they fulfil their essential life needs by organising their psycho-bodily functions in a typical configuration. As part of our research
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According to the neo-functional developmental theory, newborns and infants exhibit complex psycho-bodily functioning. The Basic Experiences of the Self (BEsS) refer to how they fulfil their essential life needs by organising their psycho-bodily functions in a typical configuration. As part of our research study, we developed a prototype psychometric tool called the BEsS Assessment Form (BAF) to assess the BEsS in infants aged zero to three years. We collected video recordings of their spontaneous behaviour and used the BAF to evaluate function polarity. In the BAF, thirty pairs of words represent functions in their dyadic polarity. To estimate the level of function polarity, we used the Osgood semantic differential scale, which ranges from seven to one. The study’s results confirm that functions can be assessed by grading along the opposite polarity spectrum. Moreover, in accordance with the theory, the functions can be grouped into four domains: the emotional, postural motor, physiological, and cognitive-symbolic planes. Our findings suggest that the characteristics of BEsS are significantly influenced by the activation of the physiological and postural motor functions, which are related to the early regulation of the autonomic nervous system and can be used to evaluate infant arousal.
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Subjective Well-Being and Self-Assessed Health of Adolescents: A Longitudinal Cohort Study
by
and
Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2023, 13(12), 2853-2862; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe13120197 - 04 Dec 2023
Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the stability and predictors of subjective well-being and self-perceived health in adolescents over a two-year period, focusing on the importance of mental health in overall well-being. Methods: Participants in this longitudinal cohort study were
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Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the stability and predictors of subjective well-being and self-perceived health in adolescents over a two-year period, focusing on the importance of mental health in overall well-being. Methods: Participants in this longitudinal cohort study were surveyed at the ages of 15 (n = 441) and 17 (n = 354) through questionnaires. The data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Hierarchical regression was employed to investigate significant predictors of subjective well-being. The subjective well-being and self-perceived health dimensions showed a consistent level of stability throughout the two-year period of secondary education. Additionally, there was a significant correlation between well-being at the beginning and end of this education period. Furthermore, self-perceived health dimensions, particularly general health, vitality, and mental health, were positively associated with well-being at the end of secondary education, highlighting their role in overall subjective well-being. The regression analysis revealed that self-perceived health factors, notably “General health” and “Mental health”, significantly predicted overall subjective well-being, enhancing the model’s explanatory power beyond gender and economic status. Nevertheless, baseline subjective well-being has the strongest predictive effect on final well-being. Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of psychological and health factors, particularly mental health, that affect the overall well-being of adolescents and emphasizes the need to focus on and improve these factors in order to improve subjective well-being.
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(This article belongs to the Collection Variables Related to Well-Being in Adolescence)
Open AccessArticle
Psychophysical and Social Functioning of Patients with Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease and Depression
by
, , , , and
Ivana Jelić
Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2023, 13(12), 2841-2852; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe13120196 - 04 Dec 2023
Abstract
The relationship between depression and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is not fully understood. The comorbidity rate ranges from 18 to 84%, and depression is closely related to chronic inflammation, which affects how patients and the people around them perceive their condition. This
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The relationship between depression and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is not fully understood. The comorbidity rate ranges from 18 to 84%, and depression is closely related to chronic inflammation, which affects how patients and the people around them perceive their condition. This study aims to examine the relationship between the psychophysical and social functioning of COPD patients who have been diagnosed with depression and the therapeutic benefits of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This prospective study enrolled primary care patients diagnosed with COPD and depression. The entire period of this research was 3 years. The research was conducted at the Primary Health Center, Kragujevac, Serbia, in 87 patients for 8 weeks. The Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM-D) and Questionnaire for Quality of Life and Life Satisfaction Short Form (Q-LES-Q-SF) were used for psychiatric assessment. A positive correlation was found between the psychophysical and social functioning of the participants after 8 weeks of treatment with SSRIs. Based on the value of the phi correlation coefficient (phi = 0.5) obtained using the χ2 test, a large influence was observed in terms of life satisfaction and physical health (p < 0.05). In terms of physical functioning by gender, based on the value of the Pearson’s coefficient (r) obtained with the χ2 test, it was shown that physical functioning was superior in the female respondents (p < 0.05). Treatment was found to improve depression in COPD after 8 weeks of therapy.
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(This article belongs to the Collection Research in Clinical and Health Contexts)
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