European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education

16 pages, 594 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Is Frequency of Practice of Different Types of Physical Activity Associated with Health and a Healthy Lifestyle at Different Ages?

by Liudmila Liutsko, Sergey Leonov, Alexander Pashenko and Irina Polikanova

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2024, 14(1), 256-271; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe14010017 - 22 Jan 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1493

Abstract

Physical activity (PA) has been shown to be related to physical and mental health. Yet there are few studies on how the frequency of PA relates to health and a healthy lifestyle. We aimed to investigate how the frequency of different PAs is [...] Read more.

Physical activity (PA) has been shown to be related to physical and mental health. Yet there are few studies on how the frequency of PA relates to health and a healthy lifestyle. We aimed to investigate how the frequency of different PAs is associated with the following health indicators: body mass index (BMI), substance consumption, physical health, and mental health. We focused on three types of PA: (1) medium- to high-intensity aerobic exercise; (2) low- to medium-intensity relaxing exercise; and (3) outdoor leisure PA. A total of 9617 volunteers, aged 19 to 81, participated in the study. The relationships between the frequencies of the three types of PA and health-related and sociodemographic factors were analyzed using multinomial logistic regression. We found that women more frequently engaged in PA type 2, and men in types 1 and 3. A higher frequency of PA was associated with lower BMI and less or no smoking behavior; higher education (PAs 1 and 3); higher age (PAs 2 and 3); better physical health (PAs 1 and 3); and better mental health (PA 3). In conclusion, higher frequency of different PAs was significantly associated with better physical and mental health, less smoking, higher age, and a higher level of education. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Education, Physical Activity and Human Health)

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13 pages, 337 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Physical Activity and COVID-19 on Healthy Student Strengths in the University System: Implications for Post-Pandemic Management

by Ramón Gómez Chacón, Jose Manuel Nuñez Sánchez and Pablo Gálvez Ruiz

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2024, 14(1), 243-255; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe14010016 - 19 Jan 2024

Viewed by 1576

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected the physical, mental, and social well-being of millions worldwide. It has also brought about abrupt disruptions to the entire university system, whose students form a crucial segment of society. The pandemic’s effects on student education and well-being [...] Read more.

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected the physical, mental, and social well-being of millions worldwide. It has also brought about abrupt disruptions to the entire university system, whose students form a crucial segment of society. The pandemic’s effects on student education and well-being have been particularly significant. One of the primary consequences has been a drastic reduction in physical activity levels among students, leading to mental and physical health problems. Despite the rapid growth in the literature exploring student experiences during the pandemic, there is a paucity of research on how this decline in physical activity has affected the five strengths of the healthy student: optimism, self-efficacy, resilience, engagement, and hope. Therefore, the aim of this investigation is to examine the relationship between physical activity levels and the five strengths of the healthy student at two different time points (pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19) through the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and the Healthy Student Questionnaire. The study involved 897 participants, with 290 participating in the pre-COVID-19 phase and 607 participating in the COVID-19 phase. The results revealed significant differences in the five strengths between the two periods. Students who engaged in physical activity exhibited significantly higher optimism scores in the pre-COVID-19 phase. During the COVID-19 phase, physically active students demonstrated significantly higher scores in optimism, resilience, and self-efficacy. These findings provide clear guidance for university administrators seeking to enhance student well-being in a post-pandemic world and in the face of future disruptions. Universities should consider implementing physical exercise programs for their students to promote psychosocial well-being and provide training and resources to equip faculty members with new skills to better understand and support students’ perceptions. Full article

13 pages, 297 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Resilience and Social Support Improve Mental Health and Quality of Life in Patients with Post-COVID-19 Syndrome

by Ioannis Moisoglou, Aglaia Katsiroumpa, Antigoni Kolisiati, Irene Vraka, Katerina Kosiara, Olga Siskou, Daphne Kaitelidou, Olympia Konstantakopoulou, Theodoros Katsoulas, Parisis Gallos and Petros Galanis

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2024, 14(1), 230-242; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe14010015 - 15 Jan 2024

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1804

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. [...] Read more.

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. Full article

15 pages, 835 KiB

Open AccessReview

Climate Change Perception and Mental Health. Results from a Systematic Review of the Literature

by Vincenza Gianfredi, Francesco Mazziotta, Giovanna Clerici, Elisa Astorri, Francesco Oliani, Martina Cappellina, Alessandro Catalini, Bernardo Maria Dell’Osso, Fabrizio Ernesto Pregliasco, Silvana Castaldi and Beatrice Benatti

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2024, 14(1), 215-229; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe14010014 - 12 Jan 2024

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4956

Abstract

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 [...] Read more.

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. Full article

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12 pages, 436 KiB

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

by Tyrone C. Cheng and Celia C. Lo

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2024, 14(1), 203-214; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe14010013 - 9 Jan 2024

Viewed by 1329

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 [...] Read more.

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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22 pages, 1164 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of a New Scale to Assess Students’ Autodetermination At School (AAS)

by Christine Sanchez, Bertrand Porro and Nathalie Blanc

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2024, 14(1), 181-202; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe14010012 - 6 Jan 2024

Viewed by 1546

Abstract

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 [...] Read more.

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. Full article

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17 pages, 1120 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Academic Success at Social Costs: An Exploratory Study on Social Networks of Chinese Students under Academic Streaming

by Jinjing Fang and Gavin T. L. Brown

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2024, 14(1), 164-180; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe14010011 - 4 Jan 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1665

Abstract

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 [...] Read more.

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. Full article

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16 pages, 1563 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Family Functioning Styles and Exercise Addiction: Disengaged, Enmeshed, and Rigid Family Patterns Are Associated with Exercise Addiction

by Alessio Gori, Eleonora Topino and Mark D. Griffiths

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2024, 14(1), 148-163; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe14010010 - 3 Jan 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1385

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 [...] Read more.

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 (M_age = 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. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Positive Body Image among Adolescents)

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15 pages, 1655 KiB

Open AccessArticle

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

by Bella Savitsky, Irina Radomislensky, Eldad Katorza and Arielle Kaim

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2024, 14(1), 133-147; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe14010009 - 31 Dec 2023

Viewed by 1332

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 [...] Read more.

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. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Disparities: The Emerging Trends and Pressing Challenges)

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16 pages, 583 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Time Balance and Family Functioning: The Role of Time Perspective in the Cohesion and Adaptability of Families with Adolescents

by Cristián Oyanadel, Frank C. Worrell, Jorge Pinto-Vigueras, Sara Betancur, Tamara Véliz Tapia, Marisol Au-Castro, Génesis Peña-Reyes, Melissa González-Loyola and Wenceslao Peñate

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2024, 14(1), 117-132; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe14010008 - 29 Dec 2023

Viewed by 1594

Abstract

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 [...] Read more.

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. Full article

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14 pages, 613 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Big Five Personality Traits and Compulsive Buying: The Mediating Role of Self-Esteem

by José Manuel Otero-López, María José Santiago and María Cristina Castro

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2024, 14(1), 103-116; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe14010007 - 29 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2995

Abstract

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 [...] Read more.

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. Full article

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16 pages, 1082 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physical Activity Time, Alcohol Consumption, Mediterranean Diet, and Anxiety in Education Science Students

by Daniel Sanz-Martín, Félix Zurita-Ortega, Eduardo Melguizo-Ibáñez, José Manuel Alonso-Vargas, Rafael Caracuel-Cáliz and José Luis Ubago-Jiménez

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2024, 14(1), 87-102; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe14010006 - 25 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1322

Abstract

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. [...] Read more.

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. Full article

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23 pages, 372 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Ecological Inquiry on Young People’s Suicidal Ideation at University: Individual, Relational and Cultural Factors and Their Interactions

by Silvana Mabel Nuñez Fadda, Hugo César Ciambelli Romero, Naiara Sophia Gradilla Lizardo and Jorge Alejandro Sánchez Castillón

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2024, 14(1), 64-86; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe14010005 - 25 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1562

Abstract

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, [...] Read more.

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. Full article

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15 pages, 318 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Individual Work Performance Questionnaire: Psychometric Properties of the Italian Version

by Silvia Platania, Martina Morando, Stefania Valeria Gruttadauria and Linda Koopmans

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2024, 14(1), 49-63; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe14010004 - 22 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 9553

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 [...] Read more.

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. Full article

12 pages, 290 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Vaccine Hesitancy in Israel: Exploring the Relationships with Vaccination History, Knowledge, and Attitudes towards Influenza Vaccines

by Keren Dopelt, Sophie Yukther, Tatyana Shmukler and Anuar Abudin

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2024, 14(1), 37-48; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe14010003 - 22 Dec 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1236

Abstract

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 [...] Read more.

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. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promoters and Barriers of Vaccination)

19 pages, 351 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preschool Teachers’ Cognitions, Emotions, and Tolerance toward Children’s Hypothetical Social Behaviors in the Classroom

by Maryse Guedes, Manuela Veríssimo and António J. Santos

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2024, 14(1), 18-36; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe14010002 - 20 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1251

Abstract

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 [...] Read more.

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. Full article

17 pages, 764 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of a School Dog on Children’s Social Inclusion and Social Climate in a School Class

by Mona M. Mombeck and Timm Albers

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2024, 14(1), 1-17; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe14010001 - 19 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2192

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, [...] Read more.

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. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Animals on Children’s Health, Development and Wellbeing)

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Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ., Volume 14, Issue 1 (January 2024) – 17 articles

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