European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education

14 pages, 341 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Decoding Emotion in Drug Abusers: Evidence for Face and Body Emotion Recognition and for Disgust Emotion

by Natale Salvatore Bonfiglio, Roberta Renati and Gabriella Bottini

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2022, 12(9), 1427-1440; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe12090099 - 17 Sep 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2230

Abstract

Background: Different drugs damage the frontal cortices, particularly the prefrontal areas involved in both emotional and cognitive functions, with a consequence of decoding emotion deficits for people with substance abuse. The present study aimed to explore the cognitive impairments in drug abusers through [...] Read more.

Background: Different drugs damage the frontal cortices, particularly the prefrontal areas involved in both emotional and cognitive functions, with a consequence of decoding emotion deficits for people with substance abuse. The present study aimed to explore the cognitive impairments in drug abusers through facial, body and disgust emotion recognition, expanding the investigation of emotions processing, measuring accuracy and response velocity. Methods: We enrolled 13 addicted to cocaine and 12 alcohol patients attending treatment services in Italy, comparing them with 33 matched controls. Facial emotion and body posture recognition tasks, a disgust rating task and the Barrat Impulsivity Scale were included in the experimental assessment. Results: We found that emotional processes are differently influenced by cocaine and alcohol, suggesting that these substances impact diverse cerebral systems. Conclusions: Drug abusers seem to be less accurate on elaboration of facial, body and disgust emotions. Considering that the participants were not cognitively impaired, our data support the hypothesis that emotional impairments emerge independently from the damage of cognitive functions. Full article

12 pages, 306 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Dehumanization as a Response to Uncivil and Immoral Behaviors

by Laura Rodríguez-Gómez, Naira Delgado, Armando Rodríguez-Pérez, Ramón Rodríguez-Torres and Verónica Betancor

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2022, 12(9), 1415-1426; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe12090098 - 15 Sep 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2492

Abstract

Theoretical approaches to dehumanization consider civility to be an attribute of human uniqueness (HU). However, studies that explore the links between civility and humanness are scarce. More precisely, the present research tests whether there is a consistent relationship between civility and HU. Method [...] Read more.

Theoretical approaches to dehumanization consider civility to be an attribute of human uniqueness (HU). However, studies that explore the links between civility and humanness are scarce. More precisely, the present research tests whether there is a consistent relationship between civility and HU. Method and results: The first study (N = 192; M_age = 19.91; SD = 2.70; 69% women) shows that individuals infer more HU traits in the agents of civil behaviors compared to agents of other positive behaviors that are not related to civility. The second study (N = 328; M_age = 19.69; SD = 3.65; 77% women) reveals that uncivil and immoral behaviors displayed a similar pattern of inference of HU traits; however, moral behaviors were more associated with human nature than civil behaviors. Conclusions: Overall, results confirmed that civil behaviors facilitate the inference of humanness, specifically of HU traits, and that civil and moral behaviors are not equivalent in terms of the human inferences to which they lead. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education: 10th Anniversary)

24 pages, 4898 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Athletic Identity Measurement Scale: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis from 1993 to 2021

by Marc Lochbaum, Sydney Cooper and Sara Limp

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2022, 12(9), 1391-1414; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe12090097 - 14 Sep 2022

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 11661

Abstract

Sport psychology embraced the study of athletic identity in the 1990s. The Athletic Identity Measurement Scale (AIMS) is at the forefront of athletic identity measurement. This quantitative review examined two hypotheses: individual who are most engaged in sports identify most as athletes and [...] Read more.

Sport psychology embraced the study of athletic identity in the 1990s. The Athletic Identity Measurement Scale (AIMS) is at the forefront of athletic identity measurement. This quantitative review examined two hypotheses: individual who are most engaged in sports identify most as athletes and thus score higher on the AIMS, and athletic identity relates to positive (e.g., intrinsic motivation) and negative (negative emotions) factors. In addition to our two hypotheses, we explored whether the AIMS subscales influenced our two hypotheses. After completing a systematic search of SPORTDiscus, APA PsycINFO, ERIC, and Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection APA within the EBSCOhost platform along with some hand searching, 101 articles published between 1993 and our end date of August 2021 met the inclusion criteria. The included studies investigated 20,498 athletes competing in a variety of sports from the following continents: Australia, Asia, Europe, and North America. We based all analyses on random- and mixed-effects statistics. Higher-achieving athletes, as expected, self-reported a higher degree of athletic identity. The differences between athlete groups were significant (p < 0.001) and meaningful (g values ranged from 1.55 to 1.93). The AIMS total score correlations with positive and negative factors (correlates) were small in magnitude (r = 0.22 and 0.17). However, the relationships differed across correlate subcategories (e.g., intrinsic motivation/commitment, r = 0.51, and body issues, r = 0.14). Minimal AIMS subscale reporting occurred across the 101 studies; thus, we could not assess their importance with certainty. In conclusion, a higher degree of athletic identity related to valued sport correlates such as intrinsic motivation/commitment and the mastery goal orientation. These correlations were small in relation to negative or less desirable factors in sport such as body disorder issues and negative emotions. We recommend future research of greater complexity and the reporting of athletes’ competitive backgrounds to understand athletic identity. In addition, researchers should report AIMS subscale data. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychological Variables Impacted by Sport Participation)

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22 pages, 1326 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of an Online Course Promoting Health and Wellbeing for University Students and Employees

by Federico Ricci, Alberto Modenese, Fabriziomaria Gobba and Isabella Morlini

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2022, 12(9), 1369-1390; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe12090096 - 12 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2531

Abstract

Published studies dealing with health promotion activities, such as the improvement of physical activity and healthy eating, for workers and students prove the effectiveness of these preventive interventions. The consequent benefits include better prevention of cardiovascular risk and an improvement in quality of [...] Read more.

Published studies dealing with health promotion activities, such as the improvement of physical activity and healthy eating, for workers and students prove the effectiveness of these preventive interventions. The consequent benefits include better prevention of cardiovascular risk and an improvement in quality of life. Considering this, an intervention aimed at promoting healthy eating and non-sedentary lifestyles has been implemented within an Italian university: the aim of the present research is to evaluate its effectiveness. The intervention consisted of a targeted asynchronous e-learning two-hour course on healthy eating and non-sedentary lifestyles. The attendants were 2004 university students and employees. We conducted two surveys before and after the training intervention, and, through the responses obtained, we evaluated the effectiveness of the intervention. We applied different statistical methods, including unpaired t-tests and nonparametric tests, principal components and cluster analysis. Our results indicate that the post-training knowledge has been significantly improved, compared to that pre-training (7.3 vs. 8.7, p < 0.001). Moreover, the whole sample showed an improved awareness of the importance of healthy behaviors, and perception of the University as an institution promoting a healthy lifestyle. Through the principal components analysis, we identified a unidimensional latent factor named “health and behaviors”. The cluster analysis highlighted that the sub-group reporting the lowest scores at the survey before the training was the one with the highest improvement after the intervention. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first Italian study testing, before and after a health promotion intervention, the knowledge and the attitudes and behaviors towards healthy lifestyles of a group of students and workers. Moreover, we also evaluated the pre- and post-intervention perceived health status, as well as the level of engagement of the attendants, with respect to their colleagues and management in an educational institution promoting wellbeing. The conclusions of our study support the need for further adoption of health promotion training interventions, similar to the one we performed, in order to improve healthy eating and non-sedentary behaviors among workers and students. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sedentary Behaviour as a Risk Factor for Chronic Disease)

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11 pages, 438 KiB

Open AccessArticle

REATIVA: An Efficient Health Promotion Program during Retirement Transition

by Helena Loureiro, Margarida Silva, Ana Paula Camarneiro, Ana Teresa Pedreiro and Aida Mendes

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2022, 12(9), 1358-1368; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe12090095 - 11 Sep 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2097

Abstract

Retirement is a major life transition in adulthood that can cause vulnerability in individuals and their families. REATIVA is a face-to-face health intervention program that aims to promote the perception of self-efficacy and facilitate the transition to retirement of individuals and families. This [...] Read more.

Retirement is a major life transition in adulthood that can cause vulnerability in individuals and their families. REATIVA is a face-to-face health intervention program that aims to promote the perception of self-efficacy and facilitate the transition to retirement of individuals and families. This article presents the efficiency of this program. A quasi-experimental study was conducted on 56 new retirees and families enrolled in the Portuguese National Health Service. The efficiency of the program was evaluated with the General Self-Efficacy (GSE) scale, which assesses self-efficacy, and the Retirement Adaptation Perception (EPFAR) scale, which assesses the perception of adaptation to retirement. The data were processed in IBM SPSS 27 software. An average positive change was found regarding the GSE and EPFAR in all participants of the REATIVA program. Notably, the MANOVA test with Greenhouse–Geisser correction revealed a significant effect of the program over time in the EPFAR scale (F = 17.405, p = 0.001; η2 = 0.554; PO = 0.982). The REATIVA program was found to be efficient in the promotion of individual and family health during the transition to retirement as an active and healthy aging process. New methodologies and intervention strategies were identified that could improve the efficacy of the program; namely, the involvement of more family members and using a blended approach. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education: 10th Anniversary)

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9 pages, 805 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anticipatory Anxiety, Familiarization, and Performance: Finding the Sweet Spot to Optimize High-Quality Data Collection and Minimize Subject Burden

by Aspen E. Streetman, Aidan K. Lewis, Elizabeth L. Rogers, Katie M. Heinrich and Justin A. DeBlauw

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2022, 12(9), 1349-1357; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe12090094 - 9 Sep 2022

Viewed by 2606

Abstract

Accurate baseline data are essential for researchers to determine an intervention’s effects yet may be affected by anticipatory anxiety and assessment familiarity. Familiarization sessions help establish accurate baseline data. High-intensity functional training (HIFT) elicits performance outcomes based on constantly varied workouts. It is [...] Read more.

Accurate baseline data are essential for researchers to determine an intervention’s effects yet may be affected by anticipatory anxiety and assessment familiarity. Familiarization sessions help establish accurate baseline data. High-intensity functional training (HIFT) elicits performance outcomes based on constantly varied workouts. It is unclear how familiarization affects anticipatory anxiety and workout performance among HIFT novices. Familiarization was hypothesized to decrease anxiety and improve workout performance. Sixteen college-aged subjects (62.5% women, 20.2 ± 1.14 years) completed one introductory and four sessions of the same workout. All subjects were recreationally trained with no HIFT experience. State and trait anxiety were assessed at the first session. During the workout sessions, state anxiety (SQALS) was assessed upon arrival at the gym (SQALS 1), after learning the workout protocol (SQALS 2), and when the workout concluded (SQALS 3). A significant main effect of the number of previous sessions on workout performance was observed (p = 0.011). A repeated-measures ANOVA showed a main effect of time on SQALS 1 (p < 0.001), SQALS 2 (p < 0.001), and SQALS 3 (p < 0.001). Our results suggest implementing two familiarization sessions for our HIFT-based workout was sufficient to decrease anxiety and establish a baseline measurement. Future research should examine if this remains true for other types of HIFT-based workouts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education: 10th Anniversary)

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15 pages, 327 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sociodemographic and Digital Education Factors Are Associated to General Health, Coping Strategies, and Academic Outcomes of Undergraduate Students during the Post-Pandemic Period

by Luigi Tinella, Andrea Tinterri, Anna Dipace, Manuela Ladogana, Isabella Loiodice and Andrea Bosco

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2022, 12(9), 1334-1348; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe12090093 - 6 Sep 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3053

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic suddenly and forever changed the lives of many undergraduate students around the globe, forcing them to switch to online learning while undergoing social confinement within their homes. It is now well-established that this prolonged period of uncertainty impacted students’ well-being, [...] Read more.

The COVID-19 pandemic suddenly and forever changed the lives of many undergraduate students around the globe, forcing them to switch to online learning while undergoing social confinement within their homes. It is now well-established that this prolonged period of uncertainty impacted students’ well-being, health, and academic achievement. However, how student-related factors, such as coping strategies as well as sociodemographic, contextual, and technological variables, are linked to digital education factors is currently less understood. Using multiple regression analysis, this study investigates the results of an online questionnaire administered to students from two universities in southern Italy, differing in positioning and size, as well as policies and attitude towards digital learning. The results of this study show the positive effects of expertise with digital devices and university digital learning policies on students’ perceived general health. Conversely, isolation and lack of relational connectedness negatively impacted students’ health. Furthermore, this study highlights the role of different coping strategies, demonstrating that active forms of coping have a positive effect on students’ health, whereas avoidance strategies have the opposite effect. Taken together, this study provides crucial links between the many factors influencing students’ experience with online learning and health, and provides useful indications to promote the uptake of and adaptation to online learning. Full article

11 pages, 2308 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Computer System for the Capture and Preparation of Cytopathological Reports for Cervical Cancer Detection and His Utility in Training for Health Personnel

by Sandra Olimpia Gutiérrez-Enríquez, Miriam Celeste Guerrero-Zacarías, Cuauhtémoc Oros-Ovalle, Yolanda Terán-Figueroa and Jorge Martín Acuña-Aradillas

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2022, 12(9), 1323-1333; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe12090092 - 6 Sep 2022

Viewed by 2036

Abstract

Health information systems and training are tools that support process management. The current study describes the results of the implementation of technological innovation in the process of the capture and preparation of cytopathological reports. The electronic system was structured based on national standards [...] Read more.

Health information systems and training are tools that support process management. The current study describes the results of the implementation of technological innovation in the process of the capture and preparation of cytopathological reports. The electronic system was structured based on national standards regarding cervical cancer control. PHP was used to design the software and MYSQL was used for the structure of the database. The total number of health personnel assigned to the cytology department participated, along with a pathologist, who made the records of the patients who came for cervical cytology to a university health center in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. The system was evaluated based on the indicators of structure, process, and results. Structure: comply with the official Mexican regulations for the registration of cervical cancer and electronic health information systems. Process: all records were legible and accurate, with varying percentages of completeness in the patient identification sections (46%) and alternate contact data (80%). Result: percentages above 80% were obtained in the satisfaction of the professionals who used the system. The system was effective as it yielded readable and accurate data that made the process of information capture and delivery of cervical screening results more efficient and faster. Full article

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12 pages, 817 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Digital Literacy and Problematic Smartphone Use on Life Satisfaction: Comparing Pre- and Post-COVID-19 Pandemic

by Busra Taskin and Chiho Ok

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2022, 12(9), 1311-1322; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe12090091 - 5 Sep 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4597

Abstract

Although the impact of digital literacy (DL) and problematic smartphone use (PSU) on life satisfaction was verified in previous literature, little is known about how the impact of two given variables can be differentiated during the COVID-19 pandemic situation. Thus, the purpose of [...] Read more.

Although the impact of digital literacy (DL) and problematic smartphone use (PSU) on life satisfaction was verified in previous literature, little is known about how the impact of two given variables can be differentiated during the COVID-19 pandemic situation. Thus, the purpose of this study was to empirically analyze whether the influence of DL and PSU on life satisfaction has changed as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. We applied a cross-sectional study design to analyze data obtained from a nationwide survey on smartphone overdependence conducted in 2019 and 2020 by the South Korean Ministry of Science and ICT and the National Information Society Agency. Large-scale data obtained from 41,883 individuals were analyzed using hierarchical regression analysis. The results show that the positive relationship between digital literacy and life satisfaction was further strengthened post-COVID-19 rather than pre-COVID-19. In addition, the results suggest that the negative relationship between PSU and life satisfaction is further strengthened during post-COVID-19 rather than pre-COVID-19. The findings indicate that the roles of digital literacy and PSU are more important after the COVID-19 pandemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Internet Uses in the Current Age: What Changed?)

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11 pages, 1403 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Moral Disengagement, Dark Triad and Face Mask Wearing during the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Gina Chávez-Ventura, Henry Santa-Cruz-Espinoza, Julio Domínguez-Vergara and Nancy Negreiros-Mora

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2022, 12(9), 1300-1310; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe12090090 - 2 Sep 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3316

Abstract

Not wearing a face mask, despite the sanitary recommendation, represented a public health risk during the COVID-19 pandemic. For this reason, the aim of the study was to determine the mediating role of moral disengagement in the relationship between the dark triad and [...] Read more.

Not wearing a face mask, despite the sanitary recommendation, represented a public health risk during the COVID-19 pandemic. For this reason, the aim of the study was to determine the mediating role of moral disengagement in the relationship between the dark triad and face mask wearing during the second wave of the pandemic. We worked with a sample made up of 534 adults, who were administered the Dirty Dozen Dark test, the Moral Disengagement Mechanisms Scale and a questionnaire on the frequency of use of face masks. The results showed that moral disengagement mediates the effect of each trait of the dark triad (Machiavellianism, psychopathy and narcissism) on the use of face masks. It is concluded that those who possess any of the dark personality traits morally disengage in order not to use a face mask, exercising a reckless behavior of the possible contagion of COVID-19 to others. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 21st Century Health Communication Challenges: Public Health Emergencies)

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15 pages, 915 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dispositional Resilience as Mediator in Psychological Stress on Healthcare Workers: A Multi-Group Analysis of Frontline and Non-Frontline Workers

by Silvia Platania, Stefania Valeria Gruttadauria and Martina Morando

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2022, 12(9), 1285-1299; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe12090089 - 2 Sep 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3261

Abstract

The experiences of healthcare workers (HCWs) during COVID-19 have been characterized by psychological symptoms such as stress, anxiety and depression, compassion fatigue and post-traumatic stress, which are long-lasting. The general picture of HCWs, especially frontline workers, is that of a physically and psychologically [...] Read more.

The experiences of healthcare workers (HCWs) during COVID-19 have been characterized by psychological symptoms such as stress, anxiety and depression, compassion fatigue and post-traumatic stress, which are long-lasting. The general picture of HCWs, especially frontline workers, is that of a physically and psychologically exhausted group. The aim of the study was to examine the potential mediating role of dispositional resilience in the impact of depression, anxiety and stress on professional quality of life among HCWs during the pandemic period. We also investigated possible differences between the frontline and non-frontline HCWs. The study enrolled 487 participants from public Italian hospitals. The variables of stress and anxiety predicted all factors related to professional quality of life, against depression which positively predicted only burnout and secondary traumatic Stress. Resilience was an important mediator in all these paths and the multigroup analysis suggested statistically significant differences between frontline and non-frontline HCWs. Results emphasised the importance of caring and concern for frontline HCWs to improve their quality of life, satisfaction and have positive impacts on the quality of service and care provided. There is a need to reflect on the necessity to develop projects and protocols that address health emergencies in advance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education: 10th Anniversary)

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13 pages, 595 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mathematics Teachers’ Encouragement of Their Students’ Metacognitive Processes

by Wajeeh Daher and Iman Hashash

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2022, 12(9), 1272-1284; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe12090088 - 1 Sep 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2579

Abstract

Researchers have conducted little research into teachers’ practices to encourage their students’ metacognition. The present research attempted to address this issue quantitatively by suggesting a questionnaire that measured teachers’ encouragement of students’ planning, monitoring, regulating, and evaluating. We present the results of the [...] Read more.

Researchers have conducted little research into teachers’ practices to encourage their students’ metacognition. The present research attempted to address this issue quantitatively by suggesting a questionnaire that measured teachers’ encouragement of students’ planning, monitoring, regulating, and evaluating. We present the results of the validity and reliability of the questionnaire. In addition, using a one-sample t-test, the results of the research revealed “normal”, “good”, and “very good” levels of teachers’ encouragement of their students’ metacognitive practices. The present research utilized an independent-sample t-test to investigate the significance of the difference in teachers’ metacognitive practices due to gender and to academic qualification. The results indicated that the metacognitive practices for male and female teachers were significantly different in planning and regulating, while the differences were not significant in monitoring and evaluating. In addition, the research results indicated that the participating teachers’ practices related to students’ metacognitive processes did not differ significantly due to the teachers’ academic qualification. When utilizing a one-way ANOVA test to investigate the significance of the difference in teachers’ metacognitive practices due to years of experience, this difference was not significant for any of the factors of metacognitive practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Mathematics Education)

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15 pages, 501 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tumblr Facts: Antecedents of Self-Disclosure across Different Social Networking Sites

by Marcella Bianchi, Rosa Fabbricatore and Daniela Caso

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2022, 12(9), 1257-1271; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe12090087 - 1 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3127

Abstract

Previous research investigating antecedents of online self-disclosure pointed out two perspectives: social compensation and enhancement hypotheses, showing controversial findings. Furthermore, most contributions have focused on social networking sites (SNSs) considered mainstream, like Facebook and Instagram, and such results are often considered universally valid [...] Read more.

Previous research investigating antecedents of online self-disclosure pointed out two perspectives: social compensation and enhancement hypotheses, showing controversial findings. Furthermore, most contributions have focused on social networking sites (SNSs) considered mainstream, like Facebook and Instagram, and such results are often considered universally valid for all SNSs. Tumblr is a less-studied SNS with peculiar features—such as anonymity, higher control over the presentation of personal aspects, supportive communities—that could particularly lead individuals to self-disclose. As prior contributions highlighted that the features and affordances could define how a medium will be used, this paper aims to investigate the antecedents of online self-disclosure on Tumblr and other mainstream SNSs. We run a survey on 559 Tumblr users (aged 13–70; M = 28.86; SD = 12.34). T-test showed that Tumblr users have a higher willingness to self-disclose on Tumblr compared to another SNSs (t = 22.44, p < 0.001). A path analysis model confirmed the predictive role of some psychological variables on self-disclosure on Tumblr but not on mainstream SNSs. In particular, self-disclosure on Tumblr was predicted by self-esteem, negative emotionality, and preference for online social interactions, which was in turn predicted by social anxiety. These findings partially supported both social compensation and enhancement hypotheses, indicating that the phenomenon is more complex than expected. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education: 10th Anniversary)

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13 pages, 2595 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Eight-Week Circuit Training with Core Exercises on Performance in Adult Male Soccer Players

by Guido Belli, Sofia Marini, Mario Mauro, Pasqualino Maietta Latessa and Stefania Toselli

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2022, 12(9), 1244-1256; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe12090086 - 1 Sep 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4086

Abstract

Core exercises have been widely promoted in the last 25 years. However, the scientific debate about its efficacy for improving individual and team sports performance is still open. Thus, the present study aims to investigate the effects of circuit training with a core [...] Read more.

Core exercises have been widely promoted in the last 25 years. However, the scientific debate about its efficacy for improving individual and team sports performance is still open. Thus, the present study aims to investigate the effects of circuit training with a core exercise program on physical performance in competitive amateur soccer players. The training was conducted during the off-season period, two times per week for 8 weeks. Pre- and post-evaluations were conducted using the following tests: Y-Balance Test (YB), standing long jump (SLJ), medicine ball chest press (MBC), curl-up (CU), and Illinois Agility Test (IAT). A total of 19 adults were divided into an experimental group (EG, n = 11, age 22 years, weight 71.2 ± 4.8 kg, height 174 ± 5.8 cm) and a control group (CG, n = 8, age 22 years, weight 73.2 ± 4.1 Kg, height 176 ± 6.3 cm). The EG showed significant improvements in lower and upper body strength, core endurance and balance, whereas the CG did not report significant changes in the pre- and post-test comparison. Despite study limitations, our positive results show that circuit training with core exercises appears to be a good strategy for performance improvement in adult soccer players. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education: 10th Anniversary)

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Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ., Volume 12, Issue 9 (September 2022) – 14 articles

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