Psychol. Int., Volume 6, Issue 4 (December 2024) – 13 articles

From 2020 to 2023, the coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) pandemic exposed children to a variety of adverse childhood events, including parental loss, abuse, and disruption in services, and it exacerbated societal inequities. Studies evaluating the mental health of older children and adolescents reported increases in depression and anxiety symptoms, but no reviews have addressed the effects of the pandemic on preschool children. This systematic review and meta-analysis is the first to explore these effects. The goal was to analyze and synthesize longitudinal cohort studies to determine impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the development and mental health of young children. Searches of multiple databases were performed for studies published between 2018 and 2023 with pre- and post-pandemic evaluations of the mental health or development of preschool children (aged 0–6 years) using objective measures and according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Cohen’s d effect sizes were calculated for each study that utilized the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ), or the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Random-effects mixed models combined the estimates of effect sizes to calculate the overall mean effect size. The meta-analyses included 22,348 children from 16 countries. The analyses showed small increases in emotional symptoms and conduct problems, as well as increases in emotional reactivity, anxiety/depression, withdrawal symptoms, attention problems, and aggressive behaviors. A decrease in fine motor and personal–social skills was noted. Studies not included in these meta-analyses also showed negative effects on language and executive function. This systematic review characterizes the detrimental effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health and development of preschool children across the world. Our results suggest the vulnerability of early childhood to pandemic-related disruptions, although the heterogeneity in study design and child characteristics may limit some of these conclusions. Full article

Background: Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune neuromuscular disease characterized by fatigue and muscle weakness. Previous research has noted a high incidence of psychological problems, particularly anxiety and depression, as well as alterations in sleep quality among patients with MG. The aim of this study was to assess depression, anxiety, sleep problems, and fatigue in individuals with MG and to analyze the relationships among these variables, as well as to determine the influence of corticosteroid use and thymectomy. Methods: The sample consisted of 72 participants, 42 belonging to the clinical group with MG and 30 healthy participants to the control group. The instruments used were Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). Results: The results showed that MG patients exhibited higher levels of fatigue, anxiety, depression, and poorer sleep quality compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Significant differences in sleep quality and anxiety levels were observed between thymectomized and non-thymectomized patients. Additionally, a positive correlation was found between anxiety symptoms and sleep quality. Conclusions: The study demonstrated the presence of anxious and depressive symptoms in patients with MG, as well as poorer sleep quality and increased fatigue, suggesting that MG affects not only neuromuscular function but also the psychological well-being of patients. Full article

Climate change is an irreversible crisis that urgently calls for social transformation to protect human livelihood and environmental stability. Establishing awareness, building environmental literacy, and citizens’ mobilization are the steps toward sustainable change in giving a legacy of hope to future generations. This research explores major psychological and social drivers of pro-environmental behavior, considering the influence of HEXACO personality traits, climate anxiety (CCW), and social media engagement (SMI) on sustainable consumption (SC) and climate action intentions (CCI). Our findings revealed th eco-guilt (EGQ) and environmental empathy (EE) are immediate drivers for climate action, while long-term nurturance of eco-grief (ECOG) leads to engagement, supporting the notion that different emotions uniquely contribute to pro-environmental intentions. In terms of personality predictors, HEXACO’s traits of emotionality (E), honesty-humility (HH), and openness (O) are revealed to be significant, with emotionality also moderating the relationship between eco-grief and climate change action. The results reveal that connectedness to nature (CTN) and moderate levels of climate anxiety synergistically promote sustainable consumption intentions, while demographic factors such as gender, education levels, and exposure to social media moderate these intentions. Females also show a higher level of climate action intention in response to eco-guilt and eco-grief, while individuals with higher levels of education are more responsive to climate-related social media content, increasing their sustainable consumption behaviors. In exploring such interactions, this study aims to add to the understanding of what drives people toward valued environmental behaviors and, in turn, to inform effective climate advocacy, education, and personality-driven strategies to promote environmental engagement. Full article

Background: Demographic changes are often prone to purely social perspectives, while individual differences are overlooked. This research examines the role of attachment and emotional intelligence in childbearing motivation. Methods: In total, 234 female students participated in an online survey, including sociodemographic data, adult attachment, emotional competencies, and parenting-related variables. Results: Statistical analyses revealed that the students express positive and negative childbearing motivation almost equally and moderately. They were both linked to religiosity and emotional management. We further explore the differences in relationship status and address the role of religious beliefs. The demographic measures identified as most important include healthcare availability for both mother and child, subsidizing housing loans or rent, and encouraging fathers to become more actively involved in the care of infants. Conclusion: These emerging trends deserve further investigation and social incentives. Full article

This study examined the relationship between cognitive ability (IQ) and emotional intelligence (EQ) in predicting a range of different performance metrics from a call centre environment. In all, 303 call centre staff completed multi-dimensional measures of both EQ and IQ. We also had recorded nine performance data measures for each individual over a 12-month period. There were a few significant correlations with IQ (4/35) and a few more with EQ (4/28), though all EQ measures were related to “Errors Made over the year”. The performance metric that had most correlates was Average Handling Time (AHT) relating to speed of working. The number of errors an employee made was significantly positively correlated with all four EQ factors. Correlational and Structural Equation Model (SEM) analysis highlighted the importance of analysing performance metrics as distinct variables, finding contradictory evidence in the sense that some individual difference factors correlated positively with some and negatively with other outcome measures. The results are discussed in relation to the theoretical implications for researchers interested in analysing call centre performance, and also practical implications for organisations with call centres. Full article

Background: This study investigates the factors affecting the mental health and wellbeing of postgraduate researchers (PGRs) at a UK institution, with a focus on resilience as a determinant of wellbeing. PGRs experience unique challenges, including workload pressures, isolation, and imposter syndrome. Methods: This study employs a mixed-methods approach to identifying the most pertinent factors affecting their wellbeing. Quantitative data were collected through an online survey using validated scales such as the Warwick-Edinburgh mental wellbeing scale (WEMWBS), the Connor–Davidson resilience scale (CD-RISC), and the Juniper PhD wellbeing scale (JPWBS). Result: The survey results revealed that PGRs scored significantly lower on wellbeing and resilience compared with the general population. To further explore these findings, qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured interviews with a subset of participants, generating the following key themes: control, balance, and coping. Conclusions: The research highlights the complex interplay between institutional factors, personal expectations, and coping strategies in shaping PGR wellbeing. The findings underscore the need for tailored interventions that address these factors, emphasizing the importance of building resilience, providing adequate support, and fostering a balanced work–life environment for PGRs. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on PGR mental health, offering insights for universities to enhance support services and promote a healthier research environment. Full article

Young children’s social behaviour plays an important role in their lives. Most research makes use of reports from adults and peers, rather than speaking to young children about their own behaviour. The current study was exploratory and looked at children’s self-reports of solitary, prosocial and aggressive behaviours, and victimisation experiences, during the formative school years. Children aged between four and seven years (n = 193) were recruited from three primary schools. Using an innovative method with stick-figure animations, they were asked to provide frequency ratings of 16 of their own behaviours. Class teachers were also asked to provide ratings for the participating children’s behaviours. Key findings showed that children offer unique insight into their behaviour and experiences. Specifically, children’s self-reports of victimisation experiences are more complex than their teachers; and teachers were found to under-report solitary behaviour in boys in comparison to self-reports. Self-reports of prosocial and aggressive behaviour showed some possible social desirability amongst 6–7-year-olds, but there are also potential situational and gender biases in reports from their teachers. These findings show the importance of including young children’s self-reports in the study of their behaviour. Full article

Given the increasing importance of adjusting to university life and achieving happiness, identifying the effective role of emotional intelligence and psychological needs’ satisfaction in enhancing students’ well-being is crucial. This study investigated the relation between emotional intelligence, psychological need satisfaction, and university students’ happiness. Data were collected from 205 university students (mean age: 23.35; predominantly female) at the University of Crete. Participants completed the Emotional Intelligence Scale, the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire, and the Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction Scale. The analysis began with a correlation matrix to explore preliminary relations among the key variables. A multiple-linear regression analysis was then conducted to predict happiness levels based on observed correlations. Following this, a multiple-mediation analysis examined how emotional intelligence affects happiness through psychological needs satisfaction. The results indicated a positive association between emotional intelligence and happiness, with psychological needs’ satisfaction also positively correlating with happiness. Specifically, the use and regulation of emotion, competence, and autonomy significantly predicted happiness. Path analysis revealed that emotional intelligence indirectly influences happiness, particularly through competence. The results indicate that high emotional intelligence, through the satisfaction of basic psychological needs, is significantly associated with university students’ happiness. The study suggests that institutions should guide students in emotional intelligence and competence to increase happiness during their studies. Full article

Given the overwhelming literature on the beneficial effects of exercise, it is surprising that many individuals do not meet current physical activity guidelines. Among the most often cited reasons for nonadherence to exercise are a lack of time and lack of enjoyment. However, recent technology has provided a new mode of exercise that could change an individual’s perception of exercise. Purpose: Compare in-task valance during and enjoyment after a bout of moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MICE) and virtual reality boxing (VRB). Methods: Participants [N = 20, 8 females; age (M ± SD); 26.1 ± 7.2 yrs; BMI (M ± SD); 26.4 ± 5.8] completed a 5 min warm-up, 20 min MICE and VRB workout, and a 5 min cool-down. The in-task valance, heart rate, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were assessed during, and enjoyment was assessed immediately after each condition. Results: Participants reported more positive in-task valence [Cohen’s d = 0.59] and greater post-exercise enjoyment [Cohen’s d = 1.76] during VRB relative to MICE. Further, participants reported higher RPE [Cohen’s d = 0.53] and heart rates [Cohen’s d = 0.52] during VRB. Conclusion: Virtual reality boxing resulted in significantly greater in-task valence and post-exercise enjoyment relative to traditional cardio. As both in-task valence and enjoyment have been linked to exercise adherence, virtual reality exercise should be considered as a means to increase exercise adherence. Full article

This study examines the impact of cognitive biases on soccer player performance in penalty shootouts, focusing on the fairness of two different formats: the current ABAB sequence and the alternative ABBA sequence, modeled after the tennis tiebreak system. We consider the context of a real-world penalty shootout scenario, where each team takes five shots. The study brings attention to a previously overlooked aspect of the fairness debate in soccer, emphasizing the significant impact of cognitive biases on outcomes. Using Monte Carlo simulations, we modeled 10,000 penalty shootouts for each format, incorporating psychological biases such as overconfidence, loss aversion, and social comparison to estimate the likelihood of success for each shot. Our findings indicate that while the ABBA format reduces the first-mover advantage observed in the ABAB format, a slight bias in favor of the first team still persists in the ABBA format. Statistical analyses, including two-sample t-tests and chi-square tests, confirmed that the differences in winning probabilities between the two formats are statistically significant. The study suggests that although the ABBA format offers a more balanced approach, cognitive biases continue to play a critical role in influencing outcomes. These results help players stay focused, manage pressure, and improve performance during high-stakes penalty shootouts, leading to better team outcomes. It also allows coaches to act as decision observers by using a checklist to identify cognitive biases in specific decision-making situations. Full article

Personality traits are dispositional characteristics that capture basic individual differences. The Big Five model is one of the most studied personality models and can be conceptualized using other personality models as well. Personality traits are also closely associated with mental health, which is our general state of well-being. However, it is largely unknown how the relationships between the Big Five personality traits and mental health may differ with age. By analyzing data using hierarchical regression and multiple regressions, the current research found that age modulates the associations between all Big Five personality traits (i.e., Neuroticism, Agreeableness, Openness, Conscientiousness, and Extraversion) and mental health. These findings can be mostly explained by predominant development theories. The current study indicates the necessity for considering age differences when investigating the relationships between the Big Five personality traits and mental health. Psychologists may want to work out a way to improve mental health based on age and personality characteristics. Full article

In clinical psychology and psychiatry, personality is usually assessed using questionnaires developed through factor analysis (FA). Essential domains are identified, which correspond to questions/items defining a (sub)scale, and each question is rigidly assigned to one scale, giving the item the same meaning regardless of how the respondent may interpret it. However, this rigidity might hinder the instrument’s assessment capability. We tested this hypothesis using the Attachment-Caregiving Questionnaire (ACQ), a clinical and personality self-report that—through extra-scale information—allows the clinician to infer the possible different meanings that the subjects attribute to the items. Considering four psychotherapy patients, we compared the scoring of their ACQs provided by expert clinicians to the detailed information gained from therapy and the patients. Our results indicated that questions could be interpreted differently—receiving the same score for different (clinically relevant) reasons—potentially impacting personality assessment and clinical decision-making. Moreover, accounting for multiple interpretations requires a specific questionnaire design. Overall, our analysis suggests that a meaning-sensitive, personalized read of a personality self-report may improve profiling and treatment, implying the necessity of more advanced pattern recognition than the one produced by FA or similarly rigid methods, which artificial intelligence may provide. More evidence is required to support these preliminary findings. Full article

Addictions undermine the quality of life of individuals and their families. They generally lead to misadjustment that affects many areas (psychological, family, social, and occupational) and, in the most severe cases, can end in helplessness, loneliness, or early death. The self-esteem of the person with addictions tends to be reduced and this limits their chances of recovery. Through this research, we tried to test the effect of a self-esteem workshop on 58 people with addictions to different substances. A self-esteem workshop was carried out with people who were part of a therapeutic community belonging to the province of Pontevedra (Spain). Several working groups were established and received sessions over a period of two and a half months. Participation was voluntary and the anonymity and confidentiality of the participants were guaranteed. To assess self-esteem, the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Scale Short Form, or Form B, was used at the beginning and at the end of the workshop. The results confirm the existence of statistically significant differences in the Self-Esteem Scale in relation to the pre-treatment and post-treatment assessments: F₍₁₎ = 106.44, p = 0.000, η² = 0.655. The self-esteem workshop resulted in a significant change in this construct and contributed to the psychological improvement of people with addictions. Full article