Psychological Reports[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Impulsivity, Self-Esteem, Meaning in Life, and Internet Addiction Among University Students: A Moderated Mediation Analysis.
Bulut A
Psychol Rep · 2026 May · PMID 42106983 · Publisher ↗
This study examined whether the relationship between impulsivity and Internet addiction (IA) levels among university students varies depending on the indirect pathway mediated by the meaning-seeking in life and whether t...
This study examined whether the relationship between impulsivity and Internet addiction (IA) levels among university students varies depending on the indirect pathway mediated by the meaning-seeking in life and whether this indirect pathway is dependent on self-esteem levels. The study was conducted using data collected from 500 university students in Türkiye via valid self-report measures, employing a cross-sectional, correlational design. Controlling for daily internet usage time, the assumed direct, indirect, and conditional associations were tested using Hayes' PROCESS macro (Model 14). Correlation analyses found that impulsivity was negatively related to meaning-seeking in life (r = -.120, < .01) and positively related to IA (r = .261, < .001). In the conditional process analysis, impulsivity was negatively associated with meaning-seeking in life (B = -0.180, p = .003) and positively associated with IA (B = 0.592, < .001). The interaction between meaning-seeking in life and self-esteem was significantly associated IA (B = 0.180, p = .009) and contributed additional explanatory power to the model (ΔR = 0.0125, < .01; total R = .117). The direct association between meaning-seeking in life and IA in the regression model was statistically significant (B = 0.214, p = .004); however, the indirect pathway through meaning-seeking in life was moderated by self-esteem. The moderated mediation index was significant (Index = -0.032, 95% CI [-0.076, -0.007]), and the findings indicate that the indirect component of the relationship between impulsivity and IA level, mediated by meaning-seeking in life, varies according to self-esteem level; the indirect association is more pronounced at lower self-esteem scores. These findings were interpreted within a cross-sectional design framework and suggest that impulsivity is related to IA levels and that the conditional indirect mechanism is present, although its magnitude appears modest.
Acute Effects of Binaural Beats on Interoception in Individuals WITH Symptoms of Depression.
Rodrigues Santos LE, Elsangedy HM, Acevedo EO … +5 more , Ramalho Oliveira BR, Leão HFP, Anastácio WLDN, Goethel MF, Santos TM
Psychol Rep · 2026 May · PMID 42106979 · Publisher ↗
This study investigated the potential of Binaural Beats (BB) stimulations at Beta (20 Hz) and Gamma (40 Hz) frequencies to alter interoceptive accuracy (IAcc) and sensibility (ISen) in individuals with depressive symptom...
This study investigated the potential of Binaural Beats (BB) stimulations at Beta (20 Hz) and Gamma (40 Hz) frequencies to alter interoceptive accuracy (IAcc) and sensibility (ISen) in individuals with depressive symptoms. Fifty-two individuals (34 females, with mean age of 22.7 ± 5.06 years) were included. Following an initial assessment, participants underwent two periods of BB stimulation followed by Heartbeat Counting Tasks (HCT). The results demonstrated that acute BB stimulation at Beta and Gamma frequencies did not significantly alter IAcc and ISen in young adults with symptoms of depression. Despite slight reductions in heart rate (HR) during Beta (81.55 ± 13.54 bpm) and Gamma (81.11 ± 13.54 bpm) stimulation compared to the baseline resting moment (85.44 ± 13.89 bpm), the results suggest that the BB at these frequencies also did not change HR. This study indicates the need for further investigation to adapt stimulation techniques to meet the specific needs of patients with depressive symptoms.
The OCD Awareness Scale: Expert-Based Content Validation of a New Measure for Increasing OCD Awareness and Supporting Assessment.
Leonte KG, Grierson N, Hardy L … +1 more , Fawcett EJ
Psychol Rep · 2026 May · PMID 42104218 · Publisher ↗
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that is often misdiagnosed due to the broad range of ways that OCD presents. Furthermore, the delay between onset of symptoms and receiving effective treat...
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that is often misdiagnosed due to the broad range of ways that OCD presents. Furthermore, the delay between onset of symptoms and receiving effective treatment is substantial, with research showing an average gap of 17 years. Having an OCD assessment measure that is accurate, comprehensive, understandable, and accessible may help to reduce this significant delay. This study was conducted as an expert validation study of the OCD Awareness Scale, a new measure aimed at filling a needed space to improve the awareness and assessment of OCD. One hundred and four OCD specialists were contacted between October 2024 and January 2025 to participate in the study. All participants are prominent researchers and/or professionals who work in OCD specialty practices or hospitals. Participants reviewed the OCD Awareness Scale and assessed the accuracy across each of the 15 obsessional themes and 19 compulsion themes. Additional assessment questions and demographics were also obtained. Thirty-three specialists completed the survey. On a five-point Likert scale (5 being Very Accurate), the obsessional themes ( = 4.5, 0.7) and compulsion themes ( = 4.6, = 0.6) were rated with strong accuracy. Moreover, 100% of the participants rated the Scale as Very Understandable or Understandable and 97% reported the Scale as Very Understandable or Understandable for non-professionals. Additionally, based on the OCD specialists feedback, the final version of the scale increased from 15 to 17 obsession themes and from 19 to 22 compulsion themes. The OCD Awareness Scale was well received by OCD specialists, who rated it as an accurate, helpful, and comprehensive diagnostic aid to support OCD recognition and assessment.
Adult Attachment Insecurity and Positive Emotions: The Mediating Role of Dispositional Mindfulness Facets.
He Y, Takacs ZK, Brodie ZP … +1 more , Goodall K
Psychol Rep · 2026 May · PMID 42096631 · Publisher ↗
This study explored the mediating roles of mindfulness facets in the relationship between adult attachment and positive emotions. Specifically, it examined the subjective experiences and regulation strategies associated...
This study explored the mediating roles of mindfulness facets in the relationship between adult attachment and positive emotions. Specifically, it examined the subjective experiences and regulation strategies associated with positive emotions. A total of 513 participants completed self-report questionnaires assessing dispositional mindfulness, adult attachment, discrete positive emotion, and regulation strategies related to positive emotions. The parallel multiple mediation analysis indicated that nonjudging repeatedly emerged as significant mediator in the relationship between attachment insecurity (anxiety and avoidance) and discrete positive emotions and the regulation strategies used. Describe facet only emerged as a significant mediator in the context of attachment avoidance and positive emotions and regulation strategies. The effects of attachment insecurity on positive emotions differed through various mindfulness facets. The current findings extend understanding of the mechanisms that may explain why individuals differ in the extent to which they engage in positive emotional experiences. This insight may inform the adaptation of mindfulness-based programs to better address individual differences.
Multidimensional Grit Scale: Development and Psychometric Validation.
Jandu K, Pradhan RK
Psychol Rep · 2026 May · PMID 42095533 · Publisher ↗
In recent years, grit has drawn increasing attention from both researchers and practitioners. Despite the utility and popularity, controversies revolve around the structure and measurement of grit. To address this, the p...
In recent years, grit has drawn increasing attention from both researchers and practitioners. Despite the utility and popularity, controversies revolve around the structure and measurement of grit. To address this, the present paper gives an account of development and psychometric validation of multidimensional grit scale (MGS) - a new tool to comprehensively measure grit. The MGS has five factors namely perseverance, passion, purpose, patience, and psychological flexibility (i.e. 5 Ps). Following the item generation process, a series of six studies by taking higher education students as participants were carried out to develop the MGS; study 1 (content validity, = 6 experts), study 2 (pilot study, = 60), study 3 (exploratory factor analysis (EFA), = 236), study 4 (confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), = 285), study 5 (reliability assessment, = 102), and study 6 (validity testing, = 248). The EFA and CFA results revealed a five-factor correlational model positioning grit as a latent two-level hierarchical construct comprising of five first-order factors. The reliability analysis showed that the 15-item MGS possessed good internal consistency (Cronbach's = 0.85) and test-retest reliability (stability = 0.91, < 0.001). The MGS and its dimensions had a moderate positive correlation with triarchic grit and self-efficacy scores indicating criterion-related and convergent validities, respectively. External locus of control was found to have a moderate negative association with the MGS garnering evidence for discriminant validity of the newly developed tool.
Work-Family Conflict and the Use of Psychological Control With Children and Colleagues: The Role of Needs Fulfillment.
Gugliandolo MC, De Salvo E, Costa S … +2 more , Cuzzocrea F, Liga F
Psychol Rep · 2026 May · PMID 42093651 · Publisher ↗
Grounded in Self-Determination Theory, this study examines the potential mediating role of needs fulfillment between the work-family conflict (WFC-FWC) and the use of psychological control with children and collegues. Se...
Grounded in Self-Determination Theory, this study examines the potential mediating role of needs fulfillment between the work-family conflict (WFC-FWC) and the use of psychological control with children and collegues. Self-determination theory views psychological control as dysfunctional interpersonal behaviour determined by stressors and thus associated with a frustration of needs. A sample of 380 Italian dual-earner couples fill-in questionnaires through which it was possible to highlight a partial mediating role of the needs fulfillment, suggesting that conflicts between work and family demands may undermine needs thereby increasing the likelihood of controlling behaviors. These findings underscore the importance of addressing both partners' experiences in dual-career families and highlight psychological needs as a potential target for interventions aimed at reducing the negative spillover of work stress into parenting and viceversa.
Parenting and Mental Health in Caregivers of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Scoping Review.
Lopes MAS, Reis HL, Simionatto APR … +4 more , Santos MCP, Bieger BB, de Souza CD, Vieira ML
Psychol Rep · 2026 May · PMID 42089179 · Publisher ↗
This scoping review aimed to map and analyze the scientific evidence on the relationship between mental health and parenting among caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The search was conducted in t...
This scoping review aimed to map and analyze the scientific evidence on the relationship between mental health and parenting among caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The search was conducted in the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and BVS databases, following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A total of 24 empirical studies published between 2013 and 2024 were included, predominantly employing quantitative methodologies. The findings reveal that caregivers' mental health, commonly assessed through symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression, is associated with less functional parenting practices, reduced engagement with their children, and an increase in externalizing behaviors among the children. Mediating factors such as social support, self-stigma, and parenting styles were identified as influencing this relationship either positively or negatively. The literature still lacks studies that address mental health through positive constructs and that apply qualitative methods. The lack of standardization across studies hinders data comparison and the development of more robust integrative analyses. It is concluded that parental mental health plays a central role in parenting quality within the context of ASD and is essential for designing more effective and family-sensitive interventions. This review offers insights to advance both research and professional practices focused on the comprehensive care of atypical families.
Exploring Stereotypes and Hiring Intentions Toward People With Disabilities Among Business Administration Students: The Mediating Role of Attitudes Toward Hiring People With Disabilities.
Pachița IC, Gherguț A
Psychol Rep · 2026 May · PMID 42085318 · Publisher ↗
This research aims to examine the mediating role of attitudes toward hiring people with disabilities on the relationship between stereotypes of prospective employers and hiring intentions toward people with disabilities...
This research aims to examine the mediating role of attitudes toward hiring people with disabilities on the relationship between stereotypes of prospective employers and hiring intentions toward people with disabilities (PwD). Although employer perceptions are often cited as barriers to disability inclusion, less is known about how these evaluations take shape before individuals enter formal hiring roles. We address this gap by testing whether attitudes toward hiring PwD indirectly link stereotypes to hiring intentions among business administration students. The study included 163 individuals from Romania aged 19-33 years (M = 21.52, SD = 2.57), all of whom were business administration students preparing for future roles as employers. Our findings revealed that stereotyping is negatively related to both attitudes and hiring intentions toward PwD, while positive attitudes are associated with greater hiring intentions. Moreover, attitudes toward hiring people with disabilities had a mediating role on the relationship between stereotypes and hiring intentions. These results support the relevance of the theory of planned behavior in explaining hiring-related processes and highlight the importance of attitudes as a psychological mechanism linking stereotypes to behavioral intentions. Based on our findings, theoretical and practical implications for higher education institutions and teachers are discussed, aimed at improving the initial training framework in diversity and inclusion for future employers.
The Cognitive Cost of Brain Rot: Indirect Effects on Depression via Burnout, Stress, and Anxiety.
Batmaz H, Özsağır CB, Arslan Şekkeli H
Psychol Rep · 2026 May · PMID 42085317 · Publisher ↗
In an era increasingly dominated by digital engagement, the concept of brain rot -defined by cognitive fatigue and mental exhaustion-has emerged as a critical psychological concern. Based on Cognitive Load Theory (CLT) a...
In an era increasingly dominated by digital engagement, the concept of brain rot -defined by cognitive fatigue and mental exhaustion-has emerged as a critical psychological concern. Based on Cognitive Load Theory (CLT) and Conservation of Resources (COR) Theory, this study investigates the mechanism through which brain rot predicts depression. Specifically, a parallel-serial mediation model (Hayes Model 81) was tested to examine whether brain rot leads to depression via burnout (primary mediator) and subsequently through stress and anxiety (secondary parallel mediators), while controlling for emotional dysregulation. Data were collected from 439 participants (Mage = 22.15, SD = 3.89). The results confirmed a full mediation model ( .08]). Brain rot did not directly predict depression but triggered a "loss spiral" by first depleting resources (burnout), which then elevated stress and anxiety, ultimately precipitating depressive symptoms. Burnout emerged as a pivotal transitional factor, while emotional dysregulation significantly intensified all psychological outcomes. These findings suggest that, alongside clinical interventions targeting burnout and emotion regulation, preventive strategies promoting conscious digital consumption and media literacy are essential to forestall the onset of cognitive fatigue.
Subjective Vitality and School Burnout Among Preadolescents: The Mediation Effect of Self-Efficacy.
Rathi SR, Sanjana S, Sultana M
Psychol Rep · 2026 May · PMID 42076979 · Publisher ↗
Secondary school students sometimes experience academic burnout, which is caused by various circumstances during the learning process and can be detrimental to their psychological health. Subjective vitality and self-eff...
Secondary school students sometimes experience academic burnout, which is caused by various circumstances during the learning process and can be detrimental to their psychological health. Subjective vitality and self-efficacy are personal resources that enable people to deal with difficult situations successfully. This study aimed to determine the mediational effect of self-efficacy on the relationship between subjective vitality and school burnout. To conduct the study, a total of one hundred participants (comprising 50 male participants and 50 female participants) were selected from educational institutions from Dhaka city in Bangladesh. The participants were administered a questionnaire package that included (1) the subjective vitality scale, (2) the general self-efficacy scale, and (3) the school burnout scale, along with a personal information form, used to collect information from them. To determine the relationship between subjective vitality, general self-efficacy, and school burnout, the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient was applied. The mediation effect of self-efficacy on the relationship between subjective vitality and school burnout was calculated in Jamovi 2.3.28. Results from the study revealed that subjective vitality was negatively correlated with school burnout and positively correlated with self-efficacy. This result was consistent with previous findings on the subject matter. Although the results also indicated that self-efficacy did not significantly mediate the relationship between subjective vitality and school burnout, this study can provide insights to the school management on how to reduce burnout and enhance student well-being. This study further helps in developing evidence-based intervention programs to boost subjective vitality and minimize school burnout. Additionally, it provides data to support mental health policies targeting the students' overall well-being.
Habit as History-Guided Attention: Reconstructing Addiction Through Cognitive Neuroscience, Affective Biography and Clinical Translation.
Lomas C
Psychol Rep · 2026 May · PMID 42068257 · Publisher ↗
Dominant conceptions of habit in addiction science remain theoretically limited. Dual-process and stimulus-response accounts explain behavioural repetition, but they insufficiently specify why particular cues become comp...
Dominant conceptions of habit in addiction science remain theoretically limited. Dual-process and stimulus-response accounts explain behavioural repetition, but they insufficiently specify why particular cues become compelling, how salience narrows in patterned ways and how lived history enters the architecture of compulsion. This review synthesises cognitive neuroscience, attentional science, developmental psychopathology and clinical research to propose an alternative formulation: habit as history-guided attention. On this account, habitual action is not mindless repetition but the enactment of salience structures sedimented through reinforcement history, affective learning and relational experience. The article first critiques prevailing models of addiction then develops a tripartite framework distinguishing goal-directed, stimulus-driven and history-guided attention. It next examines how affective biography and developmental experience shape attentional bias, reconceptualises compulsion as a narrowing of attentional possibility considering implications for assessment and intervention. Integrating work on reward learning, salience attribution, trauma, stress sensitisation, and mindfulness-based relapse prevention, the review argues that addiction is more adequately understood as a historically organised attentional ecology than as the endpoint of automatic stimulus-response habit.
"A Turbo Form of Therapy": A Co-produced Investigation of Lived Experience Storytelling.
Thorpe C, Bickerton R, Horn N … +3 more , Leonard-Dixon B, Peters M, Piggin L
Psychol Rep · 2026 Apr · PMID 42043342 · Publisher ↗
Building on a growing body of evidence addressing the impact of hearing lived experience stories, this study explored the experiences of individuals sharing stories at live storytelling events. The central aim was to bet...
Building on a growing body of evidence addressing the impact of hearing lived experience stories, this study explored the experiences of individuals sharing stories at live storytelling events. The central aim was to better understand speakers' experiences and to consider what, if any, impact taking part in such events might have on their lives. The project benefited from a co-produced study design, following an interpretative phenomenological analysis framework. Eight participants shared their experiences in semi-structured interviews. Three superordinate themes were developed to explain their experiences: and . These themes outlined experiences of connection with others, unburdening from shame, transforming sense of self, reframing experiences, and connecting with a newfound sense of purpose. Parallels are drawn with similar research, suggesting how this paper can extend current understanding of the experience and impact of storytelling. This includes identifying links between storytelling and trauma therapies, with conclusions drawn about storytelling events' potential to kick-start post-traumatic growth for speakers. This prompts consideration of the potential that community programmes and partnerships might have for affecting positive change.
Self-Compassion and Achievement Goals: A Curvilinear Examination Using Generalized Additive Modeling.
Way S, Thomas CL
Psychol Rep · 2026 Apr · PMID 42035298 · Publisher ↗
Self-compassion is the ability to demonstrate consideration for one's own well-being. Self-compassion has demonstrated strong ties to goal-setting behaviors, such as the adoption of achievement goal orientations. Althoug...
Self-compassion is the ability to demonstrate consideration for one's own well-being. Self-compassion has demonstrated strong ties to goal-setting behaviors, such as the adoption of achievement goal orientations. Although research largely suggests self-compassion supports adaptive goal-setting tendencies, a small but growing body of literature indicates that elevated self-compassion may, in some cases, undermine goal striving and promote passivity. The present study seeks to clarify the relationship between self-compassion and achievement goals by examining potential curvilinear relationships between these factors. Three hundred fifty-seven university students completed an online self-report questionnaire evaluating self-compassion and achievement goal type. Generalized additive modeling was utilized to explore potential nonlinear relationships. The results revealed a significant, near-linear negative relationship between self-compassion and both mastery avoidance and performance achievement goals. Notably, the relationship involving mastery approach goals was threshold-like, such that self-compassion scores above 3.0 were associated with increased endorsement of mastery approach goals. The results suggest that the benefits of self-compassion for mastery approach goals may only appear when learners cross a critical threshold.
Mental Health Symptom Levels and Associated Sociodemographic Factors in University Students: A Large-Scale Cross-Sectional Study.
Büber A, Yücens B, Özdel Oİ
Psychol Rep · 2026 Apr · PMID 42032927 · Publisher ↗
This study examined the frequency of screening-positive symptom levels for depression, anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and internet use, as well as factors independently associated with these ou...
This study examined the frequency of screening-positive symptom levels for depression, anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and internet use, as well as factors independently associated with these outcomes among university students. We aimed to clarify interrelationships among these conditions and various sociodemographic variables, using a large sample of 4,556 students. Participants completed a web-based survey, including a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Adult ADHD Self-Report Screening Scale for DSM-5, Beck Anxiety and Depression Inventories, and Internet Addiction Test. Based on established cut-off scores, the proportions of participants screening positive were 39.8% for depression, 37.7% for anxiety, 35.5% for ADHD, and 9.1% for elevated internet use symptoms. Furthermore, 6.2% of participants reported a history of suicide attempts. In multivariable logistic regression models, screening positive for depression was independently associated with younger age, not living with family, lower family income, a history of psychiatric disorders or suicide attempts, as well as co-occurring elevated symptom levels above the established cut-offs for anxiety, ADHD, and elevated internet use. Screening positive for anxiety was independently associated with female sex, a family history of domestic migration, being in a romantic relationship, and a history of psychiatric disorder or suicide attempt, as well as co-occurring elevated symptom levels above the established cut-offs for depression, ADHD, and elevated internet use symptoms. Screening positive for elevated internet use symptoms was independently associated with male sex, a family history of international migration, suicide attempt history, and co-occurring elevated symptom levels above the established cut-offs for depression, anxiety, and ADHD. These findings indicate a high burden of elevated symptoms in university students and underscore the urgent need for accessible mental health support systems, targeted screening, and referral pathways within universities.
From Narcissism to Drug-Taking Intentions: Direct and Indirect Pathways Explored.
Moon C, Attinger E
Psychol Rep · 2026 Apr · PMID 42030534 · Publisher ↗
Drug misuse is a longstanding public health issue that has prompted research on what factors influence an individual's intent to use. Personality traits, particularly narcissism, have been identified as significant predi...
Drug misuse is a longstanding public health issue that has prompted research on what factors influence an individual's intent to use. Personality traits, particularly narcissism, have been identified as significant predictors of drug use. This cross-sectional pre-registered study examined the relationship between narcissism and drug-taking intention among 142 U.K. university students, specifically investigating whether impulsiveness and sensation seeking mediated this relationship. The results from regression and mediation analyses indicate that while narcissism was positively associated with both impulsiveness and sensation seeking, its association with drug-taking intention was fully explained by impulsiveness. Sensation seeking did not significantly mediate this association. These findings align with evidence demonstrating the vulnerability of those high in narcissism to drug use and misuse and provide a basis for further experimental research on targets for drug treatment and prevention efforts in such individuals.
Educational Benefits of Sports Participation: Linking Physical Activity to Academic and Social Development.
Zhang S, Toldoya JAD
Psychol Rep · 2026 Apr · PMID 42011774 · Publisher ↗
The integration of Sports Programs (SP) into educational curricula is gaining attention for its potential to boost academic achievement and foster essential life skills. This study investigates how sports-based learning...
The integration of Sports Programs (SP) into educational curricula is gaining attention for its potential to boost academic achievement and foster essential life skills. This study investigates how sports-based learning influences students' performance, discipline, and social development. The study is an effort to evaluate the relationship between participation in inclusive sports programs and better performance in school, self-discipline, social competencies, resilience, time management, and sense of belonging in students. A mixed-method was employed in the study to merge quantitative responses of a structured-based questionnaire design to a sample size of 563 students with qualitative results of semi-structured interviews conducted with a sample of 50 students. Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) analyzed the quantitative data, and NVivo analyzed the qualitative data in the form of thematically. The result illustrated the positive connection between sports programs and higher academic performance, improved self-discipline, better social skills, and increased resilience. The students involved in sports showed better time management and felt more tuned to their school environment. The novelty of the study demonstrates how sport and education make an imprint on the life of a person in terms of academic progress and personal growth. This is going to build a stronger base with respect to the effects of integrating sports into education on the holistic development of students. The findings show that the inclusion of sports in the school curriculum emerges as a viable strategy for improving students' academic performance, discipline enforcement, and collaborative spirit, thus contributing toward a positive school climate.
Childhood Maltreatment and Anxiety in Adulthood: Disentangling the Role of Personality Functioning.
Vaccarezza S, Opazo S, Mundt AP … +2 more , Cortázar A, Errazuriz P
Psychol Rep · 2026 Apr · PMID 41989126 · Publisher ↗
Childhood maltreatment (CM), particularly emotional neglect and abuse, has been associated with an increased risk of anxiety and less favorable psychotherapy outcomes in adulthood. Impairments in personality functioning...
Childhood maltreatment (CM), particularly emotional neglect and abuse, has been associated with an increased risk of anxiety and less favorable psychotherapy outcomes in adulthood. Impairments in personality functioning are a significant mechanism mediating this relation. This naturalistic cross-sectional study examined the mediating role of personality functioning in the relation between CM and anxiety symptoms in a clinical adult sample. A total of 335 adult patients starting individual psychotherapy completed intake self-report questionnaires about CM experiences, personality functioning, and anxiety symptoms. We assessed the two dimensions of personality functioning described in Section III of the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), specifically, self-functioning and interpersonal functioning. Bootstrapped mediation analyses were conducted to evaluate the mediating role of personality functioning in the association between each CM type and anxiety symptoms. 64.2% of the sample reported at least one type of CM. Personality functioning explained 73% of the total effect of CM on anxiety symptoms. Only emotional abuse and emotional neglect showed significant total effects. Emotional abuse retained a direct effect, while emotional neglect was fully mediated by personality functioning. Both personality functioning dimensions were significant mediators, yet self-functioning had a larger impact. Psychotherapeutic interventions targeting impairments in personality functioning are essential for treating anxiety symptoms in adults with CM. Findings emphasize the importance of trauma-informed, personalized interventions, and CM prevention strategies.
Women's Decision-Making: A Latent Profile Analysis of Agency, Communion, and Fear of Negative Evaluation.
Villanueva-Moya L, Aguilera A, Expósito F
Psychol Rep · 2026 Apr · PMID 41974430 · Publisher ↗
This research tries to determine how personal traits ("The Big Two") and social expectations maintained through social sanctions (fear of negative evaluation) can guide women's decision-making process. We aimed to identi...
This research tries to determine how personal traits ("The Big Two") and social expectations maintained through social sanctions (fear of negative evaluation) can guide women's decision-making process. We aimed to identify distinct psychological profiles among women based on three constructs-agentic traits, communal traits, and fear of negative evaluation- and examine how these profiles are associated with different patterns of decision-making. Among 345 Spanish female participants from general population, we established three women's profiles: (1) traditionally feminine self-assured (high communal, moderate agentic traits, and low fear of negative evaluation); (2) traditionally feminine approval-oriented (high communal, moderate agentic traits, and high fear of negative evaluation), and (3) non-traditionally feminine self-assured (low communal, high agentic traits, and low fear of negative evaluation). Compared to Profiles 1 and 3, women in Profile 2 made decisions characterized by an avoidant and anxious style, with low self-confidence and social influence, high contextual sensitivity; and were less inclined to make social decisions that go against the expected. These findings contribute to social role theory by demonstrating that women's decision-making cannot be understood only through agency and communion, but must also consider fear of negative evaluation as a key process through which anticipated social sanctions reinforce adherence to gender roles. Practically, the results suggest that reducing evaluative pressures may promote women's freedom of choice in shaping their decisions. At a societal level, the study emphasizes the important role society plays in challenging persistent social sanctions and reducing the gender inequalities that influence women's everyday decisions.
Eating away the Boredom? An Experimental and Ecological Momentary Assessment of State Boredom and Snack Consumption.
Meng Y, Liang Y, Hu Y
Psychol Rep · 2026 Apr · PMID 41974426 · Publisher ↗
Negative emotions have been demonstrated to elicit emotional eating; however, it remains unclear whether state boredom, a relatively neutral negative emotion, can trigger emotional eating. It is also uncertain whether ea...
Negative emotions have been demonstrated to elicit emotional eating; however, it remains unclear whether state boredom, a relatively neutral negative emotion, can trigger emotional eating. It is also uncertain whether eating actually alleviates or exacerbates subsequent feelings of boredom. This study examined the relationship between state boredom and unhealthy snacking using both experimental and ecological momentary assessment (EMA) approaches. In Study 1, one hundred and forty-two participants who were randomly assigned to boredom-inducing, sadness-inducing, and neutral conditions, completed a food taste evaluation task while watching an emotion priming video. The boredom-induced group consumed significantly more potato chips than both the sadness-induced and neutral groups, with this effect becoming apparent after initial taste sampling. In Study 2, ninety-six participants completed four momentary assessments per day on state boredom, eating desire, and snack consumption over seven consecutive days. Dynamic structural equation modeling revealed that while snack consumption directly reduced concurrent boredom levels, it simultaneously increased boredom indirectly through heightened eating desire, creating a potentially problematic cycle. Between-person associations showed that individuals with higher overall boredom reported significantly higher eating desire and marginally higher snack consumption. These findings highlight robust boredom-snacking associations across laboratory and naturalistic settings. While snacking offers momentary boredom relief, the indirect amplification through increased desire suggests complex regulatory dynamics warranting further attention.
The Mediating Role of Academic Procrastination and Perfectionism in the Relationship Between Trait-State Anxiety and Self-Handicapping Among University Students.
Doğan FZ, Ergün N
Psychol Rep · 2026 Apr · PMID 41974425 · Publisher ↗
This study examines the mediating roles of academic procrastination and academic perfectionism in the relationship between trait anxiety and self-handicapping among university students, while controlling for state anxiet...
This study examines the mediating roles of academic procrastination and academic perfectionism in the relationship between trait anxiety and self-handicapping among university students, while controlling for state anxiety as a covariate. The research used a cross-sectional design with 400 undergraduates from 38 universities. Data were collected through the Self-Handicapping Scale, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Academic Procrastination Scale, and Academic Perfectionism Scale. Mediation analyses were performed using PROCESS Macro (Model 4) to test a parallel mediation framework. Findings revealed a significant positive association between trait anxiety and self-handicapping. The results demonstrated that academic procrastination and academic perfectionism independently and significantly mediated the link between trait anxiety and self-handicapping behaviours. Students with higher trait anxiety exhibited greater tendencies toward both procrastination and perfectionism, which in turn were associated with increased self-handicapping behaviours. The proposed model accounted for 55% of the variance in self-handicapping and was statistically significant overall. These results underscore that procrastination and perfectionism operate as distinct, concurrent self-regulatory pathways through which trait anxiety contributes to self-sabotaging behaviours. The findings suggest that psychological interventions should simultaneously target both avoidant behavioural patterns and maladaptive cognitive standards to enhance academic functioning in anxious students.
About
- Frequency
- Sun
- Papers found
- 200
- RSS feed
- Subscribe