European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education

21 pages, 5933 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Promotion of Values Education (Factors Involved in Prosocial Behaviors and Volunteering)

by María del Carmen Olmos-Gómez, Raquel Portillo-Sánchez, Laila Mohamed-Mohand and Ligia Isabel Estrada-Vidal

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2024, 14(2), 411-431; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe14020028 - 19 Feb 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1488

Abstract

(1) Background: Prosocial behavior aligns with the current societal model, where human values hold greater importance considering cultural, social, and personal variables that may influence the opportunity to benefit others. Hence, the objective of this research was established: to understand how diverse factors [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Prosocial behavior aligns with the current societal model, where human values hold greater importance considering cultural, social, and personal variables that may influence the opportunity to benefit others. Hence, the objective of this research was established: to understand how diverse factors influence the values of young people, aiming to promote education and enhance prosocial behavior. (2) Methods: This study is quantitative research employing an empirical–analytical, cross-sectional social research method. A validated instrument was used with a sample of 1702 individuals from the city of Melilla, noteworthy for its multicultural context due to its location in North Africa. (3) Results: Inferential analysis was conducted using multiple linear regression to predict future behaviors, focusing on the factors influencing values. Various models were employed, incorporating twelve variables and four scales: sociability, transcendence, culture, and effects. (4) Conclusions: The results and conclusions suggest the need to enhance affect and sociability, primarily among the most prominent factors. Full article

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12 pages, 311 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Portuguese Validation of the TAPQoL: A Health-Related Quality of Life Instrument for Children Aged 0–6 Years

by Ana Ferraz, Martim Santos and M. Graça Pereira

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2024, 14(2), 399-410; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe14020027 - 16 Feb 2024

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Abstract

In Portugal, there are few generic and specific instruments to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in children, especially those of preschool age. This study aimed to adapt and validate the Portuguese version of the Preschool Children Quality of Life Questionnaire (TAPQoL) in [...] Read more.

In Portugal, there are few generic and specific instruments to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in children, especially those of preschool age. This study aimed to adapt and validate the Portuguese version of the Preschool Children Quality of Life Questionnaire (TAPQoL) in a community and clinical sample of children aged 0–6 years. The parents of 409 healthy children and 137 children undergoing treatment for burns and acute lymphoblastic leukemia completed the TAPQoL and were assessed on psychological morbidity and family functioning. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed, as well as analysis of the psychometric properties as shown by internal consistency measures, convergent validity, and average variance extracted. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed an 11-factor structure with good psychometric properties. The current version of the TAPQoL is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing HRQoL in Portuguese preschool children in community and clinical settings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Health Questionaries)

14 pages, 719 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Linguistic–Cognitive Profile in an Adult Population with Parkinson’s Disease and Deep Brain Stimulation: A Comparative Study

by Alejandro Cano-Villagrasa, Miguel López-Zamora, Lorena Romero-Moreno and Beatriz Valles-González

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2024, 14(2), 385-398; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe14020026 - 15 Feb 2024

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Abstract

Introduction. Individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) exhibit general impairments, particularly non-motor symptoms that are related to language, communication, and cognition processes. People with this disease may undergo a surgical intervention for the placement of a deep brain stimulation device, which improves their motor [...] Read more.

Introduction. Individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) exhibit general impairments, particularly non-motor symptoms that are related to language, communication, and cognition processes. People with this disease may undergo a surgical intervention for the placement of a deep brain stimulation device, which improves their motor symptoms. However, this type of intervention leads to a decline in their linguistic and cognitive abilities that becomes increasingly noticeable as the disease progresses. Objective. The objective of this research was to compare the performance and linguistic–cognitive profile of individuals with Parkinson’s disease who underwent deep brain stimulation treatment based on the stage of the disease. Method. A total of 60 participants who were diagnosed with PD by their reference hospital were selected. These participants were divided into three groups based on the stage of the disease that they were in, forming three groups: a Stage I group (n = 20), a Stage II group (n = 20), and a Stage III group (n = 20). The linguistic–cognitive profile was assessed using the MoCA, ACE-III, and MetAphas tests. The design of this study was established as a quasi-experimental, cross-sectional investigation, and statistical analysis was performed using MANOVA to compare the scores between the study groups. Results. The results indicate that individuals in Stage I exhibit better linguistic and cognitive performance compared to the other groups of participants in Stage II and Stage III, with statistically significant differences (p < 0.05). Conclusion. In conclusion, the progression of PD leads to significant linguistic and cognitive decline in individuals with this disease who have a deep brain stimulation device, greatly limiting the autonomy and quality of life for people with PD. Full article

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17 pages, 1140 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Relation of Big Five Personality Traits on Academic Performance, Well-Being and Home Study Satisfaction in Corona Times

by Johannes Rodrigues, Raffaela Rose and Johannes Hewig

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2024, 14(2), 368-384; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe14020025 - 15 Feb 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2323

Abstract

Introduction: As a result of the protective measures taken to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, German students experienced home study in the spring of 2020. The present study addressed the relation between coping with the home study situation and personality. Methods: The interrelations of [...] Read more.

Introduction: As a result of the protective measures taken to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, German students experienced home study in the spring of 2020. The present study addressed the relation between coping with the home study situation and personality. Methods: The interrelations of the Big Five factors with students’ well-being, study satisfaction and academic performance were examined in 287 German online participants. Results: The results showed significant positive correlations of positive affect and conscientiousness, as well as of better academic performance and academic satisfaction. For extraversion, a positive supporting effect on the affective level emerged, although previous studies suggested negative influences of extraversion on affect in home study settings in other phases of the pandemic. Furthermore, in contrast, neuroticism showed a negative relation to study satisfaction and mood in home study. Conclusion: In summary, the personalities of students should be considered in order to provide protective measures and avoid negative coping effects. Full article

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17 pages, 1698 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multifaceted Music Therapy for Depression in Dementia: A Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

by Berne Ting, Daniel Tzu-Li Chen, Wei-Ti Hsu, Chia-Lin Tsai, Ikbal Andrian Malau, Sheau-Ling Lee and Li Jingling

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2024, 14(2), 351-367; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe14020024 - 11 Feb 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2813

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of various music therapy interventions in ameliorating depressive symptoms in dementia patients, utilizing a network meta-analysis approach. We rigorously selected randomized controlled trials focused on music therapy for dementia with depressive symptoms from major electronic databases. [...] Read more.

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of various music therapy interventions in ameliorating depressive symptoms in dementia patients, utilizing a network meta-analysis approach. We rigorously selected randomized controlled trials focused on music therapy for dementia with depressive symptoms from major electronic databases. The primary outcome measured was the impact on depressive symptoms, with the secondary outcome evaluating dropout rates across different intervention groups and standard care control groups. The research protocol has been duly registered with PROSPERO (Registration ID: CRD42023393059). Our network meta-analysis incorporated 14 randomized controlled trials involving a total of 1080 participants and examined a range of interventions, including active music therapy, listening to music, rhythmic music therapy, singing, and tailored music interventions. The analysis revealed that active music therapy combined with singing emerged as the most effective intervention, demonstrating a significant improvement in depressive symptoms in dementia patients (Standardized Mean Difference [SMD] = −0.89, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: −1.48 to −0.30). In contrast, listening to music alone showed a smaller effect (SMD = −0.26, 95% CI: −0.71 to 0.20). This study was particularly noteworthy for not showing higher dropout rates compared to standard care, indicating its feasibility and acceptability in clinical settings. The findings of our study indicate that active music therapy combined with singing is an effective approach to reducing depressive symptoms in dementia patients, potentially due to enhanced social interaction. These results offer new perspectives for dementia care, suggesting a promising direction for further research and clinical application. Full article

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12 pages, 307 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Study of the Quality of Life and Coping Strategies in Oncology Patients

by Silmara Meneguin, Izadora Gama Alves, Heloiza Thais Felipe Camargo, Camila Fernandes Pollo, Amanda Vitoria Zorzi Segalla and Cesar de Oliveira

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2024, 14(2), 339-350; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe14020023 - 6 Feb 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1486

Abstract

Background: Despite the current data on morbidity and mortality, a growing number of patients with a diagnosis of cancer survive due to an early diagnosis and advances in treatment modalities. This study aimed to compare the quality of life and coping strategies in [...] Read more.

Background: Despite the current data on morbidity and mortality, a growing number of patients with a diagnosis of cancer survive due to an early diagnosis and advances in treatment modalities. This study aimed to compare the quality of life and coping strategies in three groups of patients with cancer and identify associated clinical and sociodemographic characteristics. Methods: A comparative study was conducted with outpatients at a public hospital in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The 300 participants were assigned to three groups: patients in palliative care (Group A), patients in post-treatment follow-up with no evidence of disease (Group B), and patients undergoing treatment for cancer (Group C). Data collection involved the use of the McGill Quality of Life Questionnaire and the Ways of Coping Questionnaire. No generic quality-of-life assessment tool was utilized, as it would not be able to appropriately evaluate the impact of the disease on the specific group of patients receiving palliative care. Results: Coping strategies were underused. Participants in the palliative care group had poorer quality of life, particularly in the psychological well-being and physical symptom domains. Age, currently undergoing treatment, and level of education were significantly associated with coping scores. Age, gender, income, and the absence of pharmacological pain control were independently associated with quality-of-life scores. Moreover, a positive association was found between coping and quality of life. Conclusion: Cancer patients in palliative care generally report a lower quality of life. However, male patients, those who did not rely on pharmacological pain control, and those with higher coping scores reported a better perception of their quality of life. This perception tended to decrease with age and income level. Patients currently undergoing treatment for the disease were more likely to use coping strategies. Patients with higher education and quality-of-life scores also had better coping scores. However, the use of coping strategies decreased with age. Full article

15 pages, 1174 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Educational Sessions on Anxiety Levels among Women Undergoing Caesarean Section: A Quasi-Experimental Study

by Fatimah Alsufyani, Nouran Katooa, Ahlam Al-Zahrani, Ohood Felemban, Hanan Badr and Hala Thabet

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2024, 14(2), 324-338; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe14020022 - 6 Feb 2024

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Abstract

Although the Caesarean section (CS) is considered a harmless surgery, it has various complications. Women scheduled for elective CSs often have high levels of anxiety due to a lack of knowledge. The aim of this quantitative quasi-experimental study was to determine the relationship [...] Read more.

Although the Caesarean section (CS) is considered a harmless surgery, it has various complications. Women scheduled for elective CSs often have high levels of anxiety due to a lack of knowledge. The aim of this quantitative quasi-experimental study was to determine the relationship between preoperative educational sessions and anxiety levels among women undergoing CSs. The study was conducted at the antenatal unit in the King Faisal Medical Complex (KFMC) in Taif, Saudi Arabia, using a structured interview questionnaire, the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and satisfaction interviews. A total of 50 pregnant women participated in this study, who were divided into two groups: 25 participants in the intervention group and 25 in the control group. Most participants (92%) in the intervention group had low anxiety levels following educational sessions, and 96% of the participants were very satisfied with the preoperative information they had been given. Women in the control group (again, 92%) had high anxiety levels, and there was a significant difference in the anxiety levels of the intervention and control groups (p ≤ 0.5) after the educational sessions. Providing proper preoperative education about CSs can reduce preoperative anxiety, improve patient outcomes, and enhance patients’ involvement in their care and decision-making. Full article

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13 pages, 817 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Stress and Burnout among Medical Specialists in Romania: A Comparative Study of Clinical and Surgical Physicians

by Ioana Silistraru, Oana Olariu, Anamaria Ciubara, Ștefan Roșca, Anisia-Iuliana Alexa, Florentina Severin, Doina Azoicăi, Radu Dănilă, Sergiu Timofeiov and Ioan-Adrian Ciureanu

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2024, 14(2), 311-323; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe14020021 - 1 Feb 2024

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Abstract

This study, which focuses on 227 participants (196 females and 31 males) comprising 187 clinical specialists and 40 surgical physicians, examines the prevalence of burnout in medical specialists. We investigate the effects of the emotional exhaustion (EE), Depersonalization (D), and personal accomplishment (PA) [...] Read more.

This study, which focuses on 227 participants (196 females and 31 males) comprising 187 clinical specialists and 40 surgical physicians, examines the prevalence of burnout in medical specialists. We investigate the effects of the emotional exhaustion (EE), Depersonalization (D), and personal accomplishment (PA) dimensions on professional satisfaction and plans to change careers using the modified licensed Maslach Burnout Inventory—Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS (MP)). High emotional exhaustion is reported by 52.63% of men and 71.28% of women in the clinical medicine group (n = 188). In the surgical specialties (n = 39), scores are significantly higher, with 75% of men and 77.77% of women reporting EE. In our sample group, 71.36% express high levels of emotional exhaustion, with similar patterns across specialization and gender. Clinical medicine respondents report high degrees of depersonalization in 33.13% of females and 21.05% of males, while surgical specialty respondents report high levels in 33.33% of females and 50% of males. Across genders and specializations, 33.03% of all respondents show high levels of depersonalization. Clinical medicine participants report high levels of personal accomplishment (42.60% of females and 42.10% of males), whereas surgical specialties report 44.44% of females and 66.66% of male on the PA dimension. Of the total number of respondents, 44.05% report having a high level of personal accomplishment; differences exist depending on specialty and gender. In addition, questions regarding professional fulfilment and intention to change careers were presented to the participants. A total of 53.40% (16 male and 105 female) of the clinical medicine respondents said they intended to change careers, while 33 participants (9 male, 34 female) doubted if they would remain in the same specialization. Furthermore, 86 individuals (9 male and 77 female) in the surgical specialties said they would never choose to work in healthcare again. Regression analysis suggests that being male, higher in age, and working in surgical specialties with lower job satisfaction and a higher intention to change profession are associated with higher levels of EE. Age and work satisfaction are significant predictors of depersonalization, and higher career satisfaction is associated with increased levels of PA. Full article

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12 pages, 657 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Predictive Role of Physical Activity and Health-Related Quality of Life in Police Officers’ Work Assessment

by Paula Alexandrina Faria, Vanessa Santos and Luís Miguel Massuça

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2024, 14(2), 299-310; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe14020020 - 29 Jan 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1364

Abstract

Police officers (POs) frequently encounter high stress and burnout risks in their demanding professional environment. This study delves into the relationship between physical activity (PA), health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and job performance among POs. A cross-sectional survey was conducted involving 1175 POs, [...] Read more.

Police officers (POs) frequently encounter high stress and burnout risks in their demanding professional environment. This study delves into the relationship between physical activity (PA), health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and job performance among POs. A cross-sectional survey was conducted involving 1175 POs, with 691 providing complete responses. The survey included questions on biosocial and professional characteristics; the International Physical Activity Questionnaire—short form; the Short Form Health Survey version 2.0; and a qualitative job performance evaluation. The key findings highlight that vigorous PA significantly enhances job performance. About 46.2% of POs engage in vigorous PA, with a notable 73.7% participating in some form of PA weekly. This study also found that age and gender considerably impact the HRQoL, especially in mental health aspects like vitality and social functioning. Vigorous PA is linked to higher job performance ratings, especially when practised consistently. In conclusion, this research underscores the importance of vigorous PA in improving job performance among POs. We suggest that institutions prioritise facilitating environments that encourage regular PA, recognising its substantial benefits in both professional effectiveness and the overall health of POs. This study contributes to understanding the critical role of physical fitness in enhancing the occupational well-being of law enforcement personnel. Full article

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15 pages, 1860 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mid-Term and Long-Lasting Psycho–Cognitive Benefits of Bidomain Training Intervention in Elderly Individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment

by Ines Ben Ayed, Chirine Aouichaoui, Achraf Ammar, Salma Naija, Oussama Tabka, Haitham Jahrami, Khaled Trabelsi, Yassine Trabelsi, Nicole El Massioui and Farid El Massioui

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2024, 14(2), 284-298; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe14020019 - 26 Jan 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1484

Abstract

Background: This study investigated whether combining simultaneous physical and cognitive training yields superior cognitive outcomes compared with aerobic training alone in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and whether these benefits persist after four weeks of detraining. Methods: Forty-four people with MCI (11 [...] Read more.

Background: This study investigated whether combining simultaneous physical and cognitive training yields superior cognitive outcomes compared with aerobic training alone in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and whether these benefits persist after four weeks of detraining. Methods: Forty-four people with MCI (11 males and 33 females) aged 65 to 75 years were randomly assigned to an 8-week, twice-weekly program of either aerobic training (AT group, n = 15), aerobic training combined with cognitive games (ACT group, n = 15), or simply reading for controls (CG group, n = 14). Selective attention (Stroop), problem-solving (Hanoi Tower), and working memory (Digit Span) tasks were used to assess cognitive performances at baseline, in the 4th (W4) and 8th weeks (W8) of training, and after 4 weeks of rest (W12). Results: Both training interventions induced beneficial effects on all tested cognitive performance at W4 (except for the number of moves in the Hanoi tower task) and W8 (all p <0.001), with the ACT group exhibiting a more pronounced positive impact than the AT group (p < 0.05). This advantage was specifically observed at W8 in tasks such as the Stroop and Tower of Hanoi (% gain ≈40% vs. ≈30% for ACT and AT, respectively) and the digit span test (% gain ≈13% vs. ≈10% for ACT and AT, respectively). These cognitive improvements in both groups, with the greater ones in ACT, persisted even after four weeks of detraining, as evidenced by the absence of a significant difference between W8 and W12 (p > 0.05). Concerning neuropsychological assessments, comparable beneficial effects were recorded following both training regimens (all p < 0.05 from pre- to post-intervention). The control group did not show any significant improvement in most of the cognitive tasks. Conclusions: The greater mid-term and long-lasting effects of combined simultaneous physical–cognitive training underscores its potential as a cost-effective intervention for the prevention and management of cognitive decline. While these results are valuable in guiding optimal physical and mental activity recommendations for adults with MCI, further neurophysiological-based studies are essential to offer robust support and deepen our understanding of the mechanisms underlying these promising findings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Global Mental Health Trends)

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12 pages, 677 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Academic Motivation of Students Experiencing Person-Environment Misfit in Social Work Educational Settings: The Role of Social Dominance Orientation

by Alessio Tesi, Daniela Di Santo and Antonio Aiello

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2024, 14(2), 272-283; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe14020018 - 24 Jan 2024

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Abstract

Interweaving social dominance, person-environment fit, and self-determination theories, the present study sought to understand whether the attrition between students’ levels of social dominance orientation and the hierarchy-attenuating function of the social work faculty in which they study may influence students’ academic motivational pathways. [...] Read more.

Interweaving social dominance, person-environment fit, and self-determination theories, the present study sought to understand whether the attrition between students’ levels of social dominance orientation and the hierarchy-attenuating function of the social work faculty in which they study may influence students’ academic motivational pathways. A total of 221 undergraduate social work students participated in the study and completed a self-report questionnaire. Participants’ social dominance orientation, person-environment misfit, and academic intrinsic and extrinsic motivation were measured. Results indicated that students’ social dominance orientation was associated with an external rather than an internal regulation of their academic motivation, mediated by their perceived person-environment misfit. For those students who personally support group-based inequalities, exposure to hierarchy-attenuating contexts would lead to regulating their academic behavior toward the pursuit of extrinsic (vs. intrinsic) goals, that is, studying to gain financial benefits and social prestige, in accordance with the pursuit of their beliefs of social dominance. Full article

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Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ., Volume 14, Issue 2 (February 2024) – 11 articles

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