Next Issue
Volume 6, December
Previous Issue
Volume 6, June
 
 
Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
Journals
Psychology International
Volume 6
Issue 3
share announcement

Psychol. Int., Volume 6, Issue 3 (September 2024) – 8 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): Information and communication technology (ICT), such as smartphones, has been attracting attention as a means of preventing isolation among the elderly. However, while previous studies have emphasized the benefits of individualized ICT education for the elderly, they have not seriously considered the issues of cost or time-effectiveness. In this review, we propose research that shows that, when experienced instructors provide individual instruction to elderly people, and the elderly people who have been taught teach other elderly people after the instruction, a positive spiral effect can be achieved that increases the self-efficacy and social capital of the elderly and maximizes the improvement in smartphone skills in general. View this paper
  • Issues are regarded as officially published after their release is announced to the table of contents alert mailing list.
  • You may sign up for e-mail alerts to receive table of contents of newly released issues.
  • PDF is the official format for papers published in both, html and pdf forms. To view the papers in pdf format, click on the "PDF Full-text" link, and use the free Adobe Reader to open them.
Order results
Result details
Section
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
7 pages, 218 KiB  
Brief Report
Parents’ Perspectives of Children with PKU: Assessing Parental Stress and Psychological Adjustment
by Chiara Cazzorla, Daniela Di Riso, Giacomo Gaiga, Antonia De Cusatis, Silvia Spaggiari, Vincenza Gragnaniello, Christian Loro, Daniela Gueraldi, Rossana Schiavo, Alessandro P. Burlina and Alberto B. Burlina
Psychol. Int. 2024, 6(3), 779-785; https://doi.org/10.3390/psycholint6030049 - 16 Sep 2024
Viewed by 924
Abstract
Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an inborn error of metabolism resulting from a deficiency of phenylalanine hydroxylase enzyme activity. Diagnosis in the first days of life allows early initiation of dietary therapy. The maintenance of this treatment raises demanding management issues in everyday life, often [...] Read more.
Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an inborn error of metabolism resulting from a deficiency of phenylalanine hydroxylase enzyme activity. Diagnosis in the first days of life allows early initiation of dietary therapy. The maintenance of this treatment raises demanding management issues in everyday life, often resulting in a psychological burden for patients and families. In this brief report, we aimed to investigate parenting stress and parents’ perceptions of their child’s adjustment, focusing on correlations between the perspectives of mothers and fathers. We conducted an observational study, enrolling parents of pediatric patients (aged 2–18) diagnosed with PKU and treated from birth. A total of 20 parenting couples of 20 PKU-affected children were included. The mean Phe level was 301.60 µmol/L (SD = 128.39). Most PSI-SF and SDQ-P scores were below the clinically relevant threshold. Significant correlations emerged between paternal parenting stress and the child’s Phe level and, additionally, between mothers’ and fathers’ scores. Parents of PKU-affected children reported acceptable levels of parenting stress and their children’s psychological adjustment. However, fathers perceived greater stress in maintaining adequate Phe levels for their children. Our results suggest a similar perspective of both parents in relation to their child’s psychological adjustment. Therefore, the psychological well-being of PKU patients and their parents must be monitored to provide family-centered care and psychological support in the process of accepting a rare disease. Full article
10 pages, 564 KiB  
Review
How to Popularize Smartphones among Older Adults: A Narrative Review and a New Perspective with Self-Efficacy, Social Capital, and Individualized Instruction as Key Drivers
by Keisuke Kokubun
Psychol. Int. 2024, 6(3), 769-778; https://doi.org/10.3390/psycholint6030048 - 12 Sep 2024
Viewed by 945
Abstract
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) such as smartphones has been attracting attention to prevent elderly people from becoming isolated. For this reason, recent research has proposed training methods for acquiring smartphone functions. However, since the types of smartphone functions required vary from person [...] Read more.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) such as smartphones has been attracting attention to prevent elderly people from becoming isolated. For this reason, recent research has proposed training methods for acquiring smartphone functions. However, since the types of smartphone functions required vary from person to person, a one-size-fits-all approach fails to engage all individuals adequately, leading to limited outcomes. On the other hand, with a view to social implementation, it is necessary to clarify a method that is effective in both cost and time. Previous research suggests that self-efficacy and social capital are the keys to acquiring smartphone skills among elderly people. Therefore, in this review, while looking back at previous research, we propose a study to demonstrate that by providing careful individual instruction by an experienced instructor to elderly people with little experience in smartphones and then having them take turns teaching other participants after the instruction, their self-efficacy and social capital can be increased, and a positive spiral effect can be achieved to maximize the improvement of smartphone skills widely. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digitally Assisted Interventions in Special Education for Promoting Psychological Health, and Well-Being)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

23 pages, 5360 KiB  
Article
Psychometric Evaluation of the Teacher Professional Well-Being Scale: Assessing Factor Structure, Reliability, and Validity in University Instructors
by Girum Tareke Zewude, Yikunoamlak Mesfin, Solomon Goraw, Kasahun Hussen, Engidasew Nigussie Eshetie, Drese Fenatw Mekonnon, Moges Gebresellassie and Derib Gosim Bereded
Psychol. Int. 2024, 6(3), 746-768; https://doi.org/10.3390/psycholint6030047 - 4 Sep 2024
Viewed by 2416
Abstract
Teacher professional well-being (TPWB) is crucial in education, affecting educators and students. The Teacher Professional Well-Being Scale (TPWBS) measures five core dimensions—self-efficacy, job satisfaction, aspiration, recognition, and authority—initially developed in Turkey. This study aims to adapt, develop, and validate the Teacher Professional Well-Being [...] Read more.
Teacher professional well-being (TPWB) is crucial in education, affecting educators and students. The Teacher Professional Well-Being Scale (TPWBS) measures five core dimensions—self-efficacy, job satisfaction, aspiration, recognition, and authority—initially developed in Turkey. This study aims to adapt, develop, and validate the Teacher Professional Well-Being Scale (TPWBS) in Ethiopia. Investigate the TPWBS factor structure and evaluate its measurement invariance (MI) across gender, university type, and teaching experience. By examining teachers’ perceptions of professional well-being, this study contributes to understanding Ethiopian higher education. Exploratory factor analyses (EFA) and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) use data from Ethiopian university instructors. Conduct initial EFA on a sample of 82 men and 222 women (sample 1), followed by CFA on a sample of 529 men and 179 women (sample 2). Assess factor loadings of TPWBS items across sub-dimensions. Use data from Ethiopian higher education institutions and involve 1012 instructors. The EFA reveals excellent factor loadings for all TPWBS items within each sub-dimension, indicating a robust factor structure. TPWBS exhibits acceptable construct validity, good reliability, and satisfactory convergent and divergent validity. The CFA demonstrates good model fit, supporting TPWBS validity: χ2 (289) = 942.20, p < 0.001, χ2/df = 3.26, GFI = 0.912, TLI = 0.935, CFI = 0.943, RMSEA = 0.057, 95% CI [0.053, 0.061]. TPWBS is a valid and reliable tool for assessing the professional well-being of Ethiopian university teachers. Its adaptation and validation process highlight cultural and contextual factors in well-being evaluation. Findings offer insights for practitioners and researchers in well-being assessment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Psychometrics and Educational Measurement)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 308 KiB  
Article
Empathy and Socio-Emotional Competencies: The Perception of Portuguese Adolescents in Today’s Changing Environment
by Paula Ferreira, Fátima Gameiro and Miguel Faria
Psychol. Int. 2024, 6(3), 734-745; https://doi.org/10.3390/psycholint6030046 - 21 Aug 2024
Viewed by 989
Abstract
According to the literature, recent world events seem to play a significant influence in the acquisition and upgrowth of empathy and socio-emotional competencies (SEC), especially in adolescents. In this study we sought to assess the level of socio-emotional competencies and interpersonal reactivity of [...] Read more.
According to the literature, recent world events seem to play a significant influence in the acquisition and upgrowth of empathy and socio-emotional competencies (SEC), especially in adolescents. In this study we sought to assess the level of socio-emotional competencies and interpersonal reactivity of Portuguese adolescents in today’s context and analyze differences due to sex, relationship status, residence, and educational level on the dimensions of inter-personal reactivity and socio-emotional competencies. Participants were 230 adolescents of both sexes, living in Portugal, with ages between 16 and 18 years old, mostly female, with a secondary educational level, living in an urban area, and not in a relationship. An online questionnaire was applied using the Social and Emotional Competencies (SEC-Q) scale and the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI). The results were that adolescents had an above-average global interpersonal reactivity, with empathic concern and perspective-taking presenting the higher values. Adolescents showed a medium-high average level of SEC, with the highest domains being self-awareness, social awareness, and pro-social behavior. Girls showed significantly more interpersonal reactivity in empathic concern, personal distress, and fantasy, and boys presented more self-awareness. As for the relationship status, adolescents not in a relationship manifested more personal distress, while those in a relationship presented higher values in all dimensions of SEC. Neither residence, nor educational level, presented significant main effects. These results can contribute to thinking about youth protection policies and designing more appropriate interventions to promote well-being in this crucial period of life, especially in times of change. Full article
12 pages, 243 KiB  
Article
Costly Causes of Funeral Dissatisfaction and Satisfaction—Responses to an All-Japan Survey
by Carl B. Becker, Yozo Taniyama, Megumi Kondo-Arita and Kayoko Yamamoto
Psychol. Int. 2024, 6(3), 722-733; https://doi.org/10.3390/psycholint6030045 - 19 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1094
Abstract
Background: Previous research shows that grief causes medical and psychological problems for a substantial minority of the bereaved, which places stress on modern medical and social welfare systems. Other research demonstrates that funeral dissatisfaction correlates with medical and psychological problems, but does not [...] Read more.
Background: Previous research shows that grief causes medical and psychological problems for a substantial minority of the bereaved, which places stress on modern medical and social welfare systems. Other research demonstrates that funeral dissatisfaction correlates with medical and psychological problems, but does not address what aspects of funerals cause greatest satisfaction or dissatisfaction. We examined anonymized survey responses describing aspects of funerals causing the greatest anxiety or relief to bereaved Japanese individuals—and in turn affecting medical/welfare costs for the entire society. Method: A research team centered at Kyoto University collected over 1400 questionnaires from recently bereaved Japanese, of whom more than 300 volunteered anonymous comments about their funeral experiences. This article categorizes and analyses these qualitative data. Results: We classified their comments into 10 themes: Hospital Interaction; Pre-arrangement; Timing good-byes; Attendance; Friends/relations; Rituals; Crematorium; Ceremonial meals; Costs; Follow-up. Conclusions: The greatest disappointment appeared in attendance, connection to friends and relations and rituals. When lacking, insufficient, or ill-handled, these leave long-standing bad memories and dissatisfaction that aggravate mourners’ psychological and physical ailments. Our research highlights the psychological effects of cremation, and the value of itemization and explanation of funeral costs. Funeral directors can significantly reduce dissatisfaction by awareness of and sensitivity to these issues, thus contributing to national health and welfare. Full article
12 pages, 1366 KiB  
Protocol
Promoting Mental Health in Adolescents: “Teens Mental+”, a Nursing Intervention Program Based in the Positive Mental Health Model
by María Montserrat García-Sastre, Patricia González-Alegre, Raquel Luengo-González, Daniel Cuesta-Lozano, Inmaculada Concepción Rodríguez-Rojo, Teresa Lluch-Canut and Cecilia Peñacoba-Puente
Psychol. Int. 2024, 6(3), 710-721; https://doi.org/10.3390/psycholint6030044 - 7 Aug 2024
Viewed by 2094
Abstract
Adolescence is a life stage characterized by significant physical and emotional changes in which the opportunity to enhance protective mental health factors is crucial. Evidence shows that psychoemotional well-being at this stage has worsened in recent years, being a time of special vulnerability [...] Read more.
Adolescence is a life stage characterized by significant physical and emotional changes in which the opportunity to enhance protective mental health factors is crucial. Evidence shows that psychoemotional well-being at this stage has worsened in recent years, being a time of special vulnerability for mental health problems. Positive mental health (PMH) is understood as the mental health of healthy individuals built on optimizing overall well-being through the acquisition of psychosocial competences. In this sense, it seemed timely to develop an original program to promote PMH in adolescents, since there are no structured and validated programs in this area focused on this population. This article presents a nursing intervention protocol aimed at promoting PMH in adolescents based on Lluch’s multifactorial model. The program addresses its six factors: Personal Satisfaction; Prosocial Attitude; Self-Control; Autonomy; Problem Solving and Interpersonal Relationship Skills. The PMH Program arises as a response to the need to implement the mental health promotion in adolescents through an integrated model in three sessions, which can be systematically dynamized by health providers, through standardized procedures and adjusted to the adolescent’s needs. Interventions in educational centers have proven to be the ideal setting for these interventions. Full article
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 274 KiB  
Article
Coherence in Selection: The Influence of Coaches’ Views and Beliefs on Nominations for a Male Rugby Union Talent System
by Gerard Hall, Robin David Taylor, Jamie Taylor and Neil McCarthy
Psychol. Int. 2024, 6(3), 695-709; https://doi.org/10.3390/psycholint6030043 - 18 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1372
Abstract
Selection is a key process for a talent system, requiring stakeholders to make decisions regarding athlete suitability for the increased resourcing of a specific talent development environment. Most selections require coaches to make judgements based on predicting an individual’s fit to a specific [...] Read more.
Selection is a key process for a talent system, requiring stakeholders to make decisions regarding athlete suitability for the increased resourcing of a specific talent development environment. Most selections require coaches to make judgements based on predicting an individual’s fit to a specific sport and environment. Previous research has highlighted the integration of stakeholders and system as being a key feature of effective talent development. Yet, as regards selection, there has been little research exploring the influence of shared perceptions and values on selection. This paper explores these shared perceptions at the first stages of selection in a rugby union talent system. Specifically, using semi-structured interviews (n = 12) with stakeholders within a single region, this research looked to understand the level of integration between a regional ‘Developing Player Program’ and its feeder clubs and schools. Using reflexive thematic analysis, varying levels of integration between stakeholders were apparent, with stakeholders’ views and beliefs influencing selection decisions. The findings suggest that at the earliest stages of talent systems, optimal practice requires an understanding of the purpose of selection and the overall system. This shared understanding is likely supported by a two-way interaction from both the top-down and bottom-up, with the aim of increasing integration across a large network of stakeholders. Full article
10 pages, 565 KiB  
Review
Bidirectional Relationships between Eating Disorders and Type 1 and 2 Diabetes: A Scoping Review
by Alessia Bottari, Fabiana La Giglia, Rachele Magrì, Lucrezia Marletta and Graziella Chiara Prezzavento
Psychol. Int. 2024, 6(3), 685-694; https://doi.org/10.3390/psycholint6030042 - 8 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1687
Abstract
Eating disorders (ED) represent complex conditions with multifactorial etiopathogenesis. Recent scientific findings suggest that diabetes, a chronic disease profoundly influencing eating habits, could significantly contribute to the risk of developing ED. Both type 1 diabetes (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients are [...] Read more.
Eating disorders (ED) represent complex conditions with multifactorial etiopathogenesis. Recent scientific findings suggest that diabetes, a chronic disease profoundly influencing eating habits, could significantly contribute to the risk of developing ED. Both type 1 diabetes (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients are identified as susceptible to developing binge eating disorder (BED) and other dysfunctional eating behaviors, such as diabulimia, a condition not yet officially recognized by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Diabulimia is characterized by a deliberate choice to omit or limit necessary insulin doses, with the aim of losing weight or limiting weight gain. This scoping review aims to consolidate the latest evidence on the bidirectional relationship between ED and diabetes, as well as their impact on patients’ quality of life. The findings from various studies reveal varied prevalence estimates, as diabetic patients often do not meet the formal diagnostic criteria for ED. Nonetheless, having diabetes appears to increase the risk of developing dysfunctional eating patterns. Simultaneously, the presence of an ED may heighten the risk of developing T2DM. Given this bidirectional relationship between ED and diabetes, this evidence underscores the importance for healthcare professionals, particularly those in diabetes care, to implement screening programs aimed at preventing and/or treating ED. Such initiatives could significantly improve patient outcome and quality of life. Full article
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-8
Previous Issue
Next Issue
Back to TopTop