European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education

17 pages, 536 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of the Factorial Structure and Reliability of the Social Determinants of Mental Health Questionnaire for Young Adults (SDMH)

by Monica Roncancio-Moreno, Rita Patricia Ocampo-Cepeda, Walther M. Zúñiga and Arcadio de Jesús Cardona-Isaza

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2025, 15(2), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe15020018 - 2 Feb 2025

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Abstract

Background: Several studies around the world report an increase in mental health problems among young people. Psychology is called upon to design ways to characterize these problems to make contextualized and effective interventions. The aim of this study was to analyze the factorial [...] Read more.

Background: Several studies around the world report an increase in mental health problems among young people. Psychology is called upon to design ways to characterize these problems to make contextualized and effective interventions. The aim of this study was to analyze the factorial structure and reliability of the Social Determinants of Mental Health Questionnaire for Young Adults (SDMH), which was developed based on the Social Determinants of Health Model. Methods: This study included 1232 young Colombians aged 18 to 28 years (M = 20.88; SD = 3.52; 46.8% were women). The questionnaire design was rigorous and involved the participation of experts on the subject, peer review, and a pilot study. Statistical analyses included descriptive, reliability, exploratory, and confirmatory factor analyses. Results: The analyses indicate high reliability, and the confirmatory factor analyses reveal an adequate factorial structure. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the SDMH is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing the social determinants of mental health among young Colombians. Additional studies are needed to consolidate evidence of internal structure validity and provide more information on other sources of evidence regarding test validity. Full article

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20 pages, 1494 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Organizational Climate as a Key to Positive Mental Health and Academic Engagement in University Students: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach

by Roger Pedro Norabuena-Figueroa, Hugo Marino Rodríguez-Orellana, Emerson Damián Norabuena-Figueroa and Angel Deroncele-Acosta

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2025, 15(2), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe15020017 - 2 Feb 2025

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Abstract

This study aimed to examine the relationships between mental health, organizational climate, and engagement through a structural equation model, for which a quantitative methodology was developed. A total of 1971 students from a public university in Lima (between 16 and 56 years of [...] Read more.

This study aimed to examine the relationships between mental health, organizational climate, and engagement through a structural equation model, for which a quantitative methodology was developed. A total of 1971 students from a public university in Lima (between 16 and 56 years of age, with a mean age of 21.09 years and standard deviation of 3.2) participated in the study. Three instruments with high internal consistency were used: the Positive Mental Health Scale, the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale, and the FOCUS Organizational Climate Questionnaire. The results show that organizational climate is positively related to mental health and engagement, with life satisfaction being the most significant dimension in mental health (0.768), the vigor the strongest in engagement (0.814), and the innovation climate stood out in organizational climate (0.819). At the same time, mental health directly impacts engagement. The structural model revealed that organizational climate directly influences mental health (0.64) and engagement (0.49), while mental health has a direct impact on engagement (0.43). In addition, this structural model presents an adequate fit. The findings highlight the need to design interventions prioritizing students’ psychosocial well-being and managing a positive organizational climate as a premise. Implications of the study are discussed. Full article

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16 pages, 1439 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Is Aesthetic Relational Knowing a Common Factor in Psychotherapy? A Comparison Among Different Models

by Margherita Spagnuolo Lobb, Serena Iacono Isidoro, Claudia Savia Guerrera, Febronia Riggio and Santo Di Nuovo

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2025, 15(2), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe15020016 - 31 Jan 2025

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Abstract

This study explores how aesthetic relational knowing (ARK), as assessed by the ARK-T scale, is used by psychotherapists of different psychotherapeutic models. The ARK-T, a tool based on Gestalt therapy principles, evaluates three core factors of this therapeutic competence: body awareness, affective empathy, [...] Read more.

This study explores how aesthetic relational knowing (ARK), as assessed by the ARK-T scale, is used by psychotherapists of different psychotherapeutic models. The ARK-T, a tool based on Gestalt therapy principles, evaluates three core factors of this therapeutic competence: body awareness, affective empathy, and intuitive resonance. A sample of 158 therapists from various approaches, including Gestalt therapy, cognitive–behavioral, systemic–relational, and psychodynamic models, participated in the study. The results show that while body awareness and affective empathy vary in emphasis, depending on the therapeutic approach, intuitive resonance emerges as a shared competence among therapists across orientations. These findings suggest that ARK, particularly the therapist’s capacity to attune to the client’s emotional and relational dynamics, may be a core component of effective therapy. The study highlights the significance of these relational competences in fostering effective therapeutic outcomes across diverse psychotherapeutic frameworks. Full article

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13 pages, 351 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Links Between Executive Functions and Decoding Skills in a Semitransparent Orthography: A Longitudinal Study from Kindergarten to First Grade

by Marisa G. Filipe, Tânia Carneiro and Sónia Frota

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2025, 15(2), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe15020015 - 31 Jan 2025

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Abstract

Despite progress in understanding the link between executive functions (EFs) (i.e., a set of skills involved in goal-directed activities crucial for regulating thoughts and actions) and word decoding skills, research has not yet determined the dynamics and extent of this link. This longitudinal [...] Read more.

Despite progress in understanding the link between executive functions (EFs) (i.e., a set of skills involved in goal-directed activities crucial for regulating thoughts and actions) and word decoding skills, research has not yet determined the dynamics and extent of this link. This longitudinal study examined whether EF subcomponents (inhibition, working memory, and cognitive flexibility) significantly predict decoding skills in Portuguese, which has a semitransparent orthography. The sample included 81 children (M_age = 5.36 years, SD_age = 0.30; 40 girls) in their final year of kindergarten. EF performance was evaluated during kindergarten using nonverbal performance-based tests, and decoding skills were assessed one year later in first grade through a pseudoword reading task. A three-step regression analysis was used to explore the unique contributions of each EF subcomponent to decoding skills. Findings indicated that inhibitory control skills were significant predictors of first-grade decoding outcomes. However, adding working memory abilities to the regression model did not increase the explained variance. In the final step, including cognitive flexibility skills reduced the significance of inhibitory control and increased the amount of explained variance. These results suggest that, while inhibitory control plays an important role, cognitive flexibility has a more significant impact on word decoding skills, highlighting the importance of early development of specific EFs for decoding abilities. Full article

12 pages, 290 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Do People with Intellectual Disabilities Have a Better Quality of Life If They Are Physically Active?

by Carmen Ocete, Adolfo Rocuant-Urzúa, María Fernández-Rivas and Evelia Franco

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2025, 15(2), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe15020014 - 30 Jan 2025

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Abstract

In the context of the practice of physical sports activities (PSA), people with intellectual disabilities (PID) have up to a 62% lower possibility of responding to internationally agreed-upon physical activity requirements, showing a higher risk of presenting serious health problems. This study aimed [...] Read more.

In the context of the practice of physical sports activities (PSA), people with intellectual disabilities (PID) have up to a 62% lower possibility of responding to internationally agreed-upon physical activity requirements, showing a higher risk of presenting serious health problems. This study aimed to analyze the levels of perception towards the latent construct of quality of life that a PID who practices PSA would have with respect to those PIDs who do not practice PSA. The sample consisted of 371 PIDs, of whom 278 practiced PSA and 93 did not practice PSA. The instrument used for data collection was the INICO-FEAPS scale. Methodologically, 12 binary logistic regression models were fitted. The results identify greater possibilities of perception by PIDs who perform DFA at the level of self-determination (4.88 OR), rights (5.0 OR), social inclusion (2.06 OR), personal development (2.80 OR), interpersonal relationship (3.19 OR), material well-being (4.41 OR) and quality of life (3.97 OR). Furthermore, when grouping the dimensions by independence (3.67 OR), social (4.34 OR) and well-being (3.91 OR), the odds were favourable toward those PIDs performing PSA. In conclusion, PIDs who perform PSA may present greater possibilities of having the quality of life construct. Full article

22 pages, 1216 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Does a Dog at School Help Identify Human and Animal Facial Expressions? A Preliminary Longitudinal Study

by Manon Toutain, Nicolas Dollion, Laurence Henry and Marine Grandgeorge

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2025, 15(2), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe15020013 - 30 Jan 2025

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Abstract

(1) Background: Animals provide many benefits in children’s lives, but few studies assess the effects of animal presence—especially service dogs—in schools. This pilot study examined whether a year-long exposure to a service dog could improve facial expression recognition in adolescents with cognitive function [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Animals provide many benefits in children’s lives, but few studies assess the effects of animal presence—especially service dogs—in schools. This pilot study examined whether a year-long exposure to a service dog could improve facial expression recognition in adolescents with cognitive function disorders. (2) Method: Twenty-three adolescents participated: 10 with cognitive function disorders who were part of a specialized French teaching program (LUSI) that included a service dog (LUSI group), and 13 neurotypical adolescents who served as controls (not in LUSI, no service dog exposure). Participants assigned one of five facial expressions (sadness, joy, fear, neutral, anger) to images of human, dog, and cat faces at three intervals: before dog integration, at 5–8 months, and 11–14 months later (same intervals for controls). (3) Results: Identification of facial expressions of both dog (p = 0.001) and human (p = 0.01) but not cat (p > 0.05) faces by LUSI participants exposed to service dog improved with time. The performance of LUSI participants was better when they lived with various species of animals at home. Control participants’ performance did not change significantly (all p > 0.05). (4) Conclusions: After a school year, the presence of a service dog had helped adolescents with cognitive function disorders to better identify human and dog facial expressions. Full article

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

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12 pages, 286 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fatigue in Hemodialysis Patients: A Comparative Analysis with Healthy Controls

by Leszek Sułkowski, Andrzej Matyja and Maciej Matyja

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2025, 15(2), 12; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe15020012 - 26 Jan 2025

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Abstract

This study investigates fatigue and quality of life in hemodialysis patients, examining the influence of demographic and clinical factors on these outcomes. A cohort of 115 hemodialysis patients and 112 healthy controls completed the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS), the shorter MFIS-5, and [...] Read more.

This study investigates fatigue and quality of life in hemodialysis patients, examining the influence of demographic and clinical factors on these outcomes. A cohort of 115 hemodialysis patients and 112 healthy controls completed the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS), the shorter MFIS-5, and the WHOQOL-BREF quality of life assessment. The findings indicate that hemodialysis patients experience significantly higher levels of fatigue, which correspond with lower quality of life, particularly in the physical and psychological domains, compared to healthy controls. Male patients reported significantly higher levels of fatigue and lower quality of life scores, whereas younger patients demonstrated relatively better outcomes. Extended dialysis sessions exceeding four hours were associated with poorer social well-being, and educational attainment was positively linked with physical and environmental quality of life domains. However, marital status did not show a significant effect. The study validates the consistency between MFIS and MFIS-5 scores, recommending MFIS-5 for time-sensitive clinical use without compromising accuracy. These results underscore the need for individualized, multi-dimensional approaches to fatigue management in hemodialysis patients, emphasizing interventions that address physical, psychological, and social well-being to enhance overall quality of life. The findings highlight specific factors that may guide tailored support strategies to improve patient outcomes in this population. Full article

30 pages, 7749 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Explanatory AI Predicts the Diet Adopted Based on Nutritional and Lifestyle Habits in the Spanish Population

by Elena Sandri, Germán Cerdá Olmedo, Michela Piredda, Lisa Ursula Werner and Vincenzo Dentamaro

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2025, 15(2), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe15020011 - 24 Jan 2025

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Abstract

This study used Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) with SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) to examine dietary and lifestyle habits in the Spanish population and identify key diet predictors. A cross-sectional design was used, employing the validated NutSo-HH scale to gather data on nutrition, lifestyle, [...] Read more.

This study used Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) with SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) to examine dietary and lifestyle habits in the Spanish population and identify key diet predictors. A cross-sectional design was used, employing the validated NutSo-HH scale to gather data on nutrition, lifestyle, and socio-demographic factors. The CatBoost method combined with SHAP was applied. The sample included 22,181 Spanish adults: 17,573 followed the Mediterranean diet, 1425 were vegetarians, 365 were vegans, and 1018 practiced intermittent fasting. Fish consumption was the strongest dietary indicator, with vegans abstaining and some vegetarians consuming it occasionally. Age influenced diet: younger individuals preferred vegan/vegetarian diets, while older adults adhered to the Mediterranean diet. Vegans and vegetarians consumed less junk food, and intermittent fasters were more physically active. The model effectively predicts the Mediterranean diet but struggles with others due to sample imbalance, highlighting the need for larger studies on plant-based and intermittent fasting diets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Artificial Intelligence in the Health Field or Education)

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19 pages, 1153 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Maternity Rights Perception: Impact of Maternal Care in Diverse Socio-Health Contexts

by Claudia Susana Silva-Fernández, Paul Anthony Camacho, María de la Calle, Silvia M. Arribas, Eva Garrosa and David Ramiro-Cortijo

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2025, 15(2), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe15020010 - 23 Jan 2025

Viewed by 493

Abstract

Maternity rights are perceived and fulfilled differently according to women’s psychosocial characteristics, leading to varying maternal experiences and outcomes. It is necessary to know the impact of cultural context, emotional well-being, and resource availability on the maternal woman’s clinical care experience. The aim [...] Read more.

Maternity rights are perceived and fulfilled differently according to women’s psychosocial characteristics, leading to varying maternal experiences and outcomes. It is necessary to know the impact of cultural context, emotional well-being, and resource availability on the maternal woman’s clinical care experience. The aim is to identify if these factors contribute to disparities in the perception of maternity rights fulfillment in Spain and Colombia. This retrospective observational study focused on women who received maternity-related healthcare in Spain or Colombia. A total of 185 women were included (Spanish = 53; Colombian = 132). Data collected included social and obstetric history, as well as psychological variables such as resilience, positive and negative affect, derailment, and maternity beliefs. The study also assessed women’s knowledge of healthcare rights (MatCODE), perceptions of resource scarcity (MatER), and the fulfillment of maternity rights (FMR). C-section was more prevalent in Colombia, where women also scored higher on maternity beliefs as a sense of life and as a social duty compared to Spanish women. Conversely, FMR was higher in the Spanish context. Colombian women reported lower levels of social support and less involvement in medical decision-making. The FMR was positively correlated with positive affect, MatCODE, and MatER. Predictive modeling identified negative factors for FMR, including giving birth in Colombia (β = −0.30 [−0.58; −0.03]), previous miscarriage (β = −0.32 [−0.54; −0.09]), C-section in the most recent labor (β = −0.46 [−0.54; −0.0]), and higher MatER scores. Positive predictors included gestational age, maternal age, and previous C-section (β = 0.39 [0.11; 0.66]). The perception of the fulfillment of maternity rights depends on socio-healthcare contexts, women’s age, obstetric history, and resources. It is suggested to apply culturally sensitive strategies focused on women’s needs in terms of information, emotional and social support, privacy, and autonomy to manage a positive experience. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Research in Clinical and Health Contexts)

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Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ., Volume 15, Issue 2 (February 2025) – 9 articles

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