Browse Our Latest Psychology and Behavioral Science Journals
Psychological journals are peer-reviewed, interdisciplinary journals that publish original work in some areas of psychology. The most common publications include cognitive, health and clinical psychology, applied, developmental, biological, social, experimental, and educational psychology, and psychoanalysis.
Behavioral Sciences
Megküzdési stratégiák a munkahelyen – a proaktív és kollektív megküzdés vizsgálata az észlelt stresszel és a pszichológiai jólléttel összefüggésben
Coping strategies at work – Examining the relationship between proactive and collective coping, perceived stress, and psychological well-being
Háttér és célkitűzések: Tanulmányunk célja két vizsgálaton keresztül ismertetni az észlelt stressz, a jóllét, valamint a proaktív és a kollektív megküzdés közötti kapcsolatot magyar munkavállalói mintán. Eredményeink hozzájárulnak a célcsoport munkával kapcsolatos megéléseinek, viselkedéses reakcióinak pontosabb megismeréséhez, miközben iránymutatásul szolgálhatnak ezek fejlesztése során. Módszer: Mindkét vizsgálatban keresztmetszeti eljárással és kényelmi mintavétellel gyűjtöttünk adatokat felnőtt, magyar munkavállalói mintán. Az első vizsgálat (N = 312) fókuszában az észlelt stressz, a jóllét és a proaktív megküzdés közötti kapcsolat feltárása áll, míg a második vizsgálat (N = 811) a Kollektív Megküzdés Kérdőív magyar nyelvű adaptációjának validitásvizsgálatát helyezi előtérbe. Eredmények: Az első vizsgálat a nemzetközi szakirodalommal összhangban megerősítette, hogy szignifikáns kapcsolat van az észlelt stressz, bizonyos jóllétkomponensek és a proaktív megküzdés között – utóbbiak az észlelt stressz varianciájának közel 50%-át magyarázzák együttesen. A második vizsgálat a Kollektív Megküzdés Kérdőívet megbízható mérőeszközként azonosította, noha az eredeti kérdőív faktorstruktúráját nem sikerült teljes mértékben reprodukálni, és a konstruktumvaliditás vizsgálatához választott változókkal mutatott korrelációk erőssége is alacsonyabb lett a vártnál. Következtetések: Noha vizsgálatainkat érdemes a továbbiakban longitudinális elrendezéssel is megismételni, eredményeink alátámasztják, hogy a proaktív, illetve a társas megküzdés fontos szerepet tölt be a stressz és a jóllét kapcsolatában.
Robotokkal szembeni elfogadás a szexizmus és a robot nemének vonatkozásában
Robot acceptance in relation to sexism and robot gender
Háttér és célkitűzések: Kutatásunk központi kérdésköre a robotgender témakör volt. Vizsgálatunkban arra próbáltunk meg választ keresni, hogy az emberekben működő nemiszerep-elvárások milyen hatással vannak a nem ipari robotokkal (szociális robotokkal) szembeni attitűdökre, ezzel beemelve a szexizmust a robotikus pszichológia kutatási aspektusai közé. Módszer: Ennek felmérése érdekében átlagpopuláción vett, kényelmi mintán végeztünk kérdőíves vizsgálatot 135 fővel. Kérdőívcsomagunk saját szerkesztésű kérdéseket, valamint a Robot Elfogadás Kérdőívet, Ambivalens Szexizmus Kérdőívet és a Régi és Modern Szexizmus Kérdőív tartalmazta. Eredmények: Legfontosabb eredményünk, hogy több hipotézisen keresztül is bizonyítékot találtunk a szexizmus és a robotokkal kapcsolatos attitűdök között. Azok, akik magasabb szintű szexizmussal rendelkeznek, preferálják, ha egy robotnak van neme, míg az alacsonyabb szexizmussal rendelkezők inkább a gendersemleges robotokat preferálták. Következtetések: Az eredmények leginkább a szellemi munkakörben és a személyi kisegítő robotok esetében rendelkeznek jelentős felhasználási potenciállal, hiszen ezekben a környezetekben fontos aspektusa lehet az ember-robot illesztésben a robot nemének. Továbbá kutatásunk rámutat a szexizmus vizsgálatának fontosságára az ember-robot interakciók esetében.
Abstract
A longstanding challenge in the behavioral addictions field has been determining the point at which gaming involvement becomes clinically significant problematic use. Gaming disorder (GD) and hazardous gaming as recent ICD-11 diagnoses have attracted polarized perspectives due in part to the global popularity of recreational gaming and gaming culture. The broad continuum of gaming can often be perceived differently by different parties, including gamers themselves; what might be seen as regular, harmless, and normative to some, may be considered risky and problematic by others. The ICD-11 guidelines provide some clarity by advising that gaming disorder should not be diagnosed based on persistent gaming alone; that gaming as part of a routine, developing skills, changing mood or relieving boredom, or facilitating social interaction is not sufficient for a diagnosis; and that cultural and peer group norms should be considered in diagnosis. In this paper, we examine gaming normality-disorder boundary issues in the areas of conceptualization, assessment, and interventions. Some examples of the complex personal, social, and cultural considerations that arise in gaming diagnoses are provided. We call for researchers in the addiction and health disciplines to grapple with conceptual controversy and conduct the empirical and clinical research needed to ensure that normal recreational gaming is always clearly distinguished from harm and disorder.
Abstract
Background and aims
There is a lack of research on the impact of acute stress on the interaction of affective and cognitive processes in online compulsive buying-shopping disorder (CBSD). Therefore, this project addressed stress response, cue reactivity, attentional bias, and implicit associations in individuals with online CBSD.
Methods
Women with CBSD (n = 63) and women with non-problematic online buying-shopping (n = 64) were randomly assigned to the Trier Social Stress Test or a non-stress condition. After the stress/non-stress induction, participants performed a cue-reactivity paradigm, a dot-probe paradigm, and an implicit association task, each with addiction-related (online buying-shopping) and control (social networks) cues.
Results
Individuals with CBSD showed stronger affective responses towards the addiction-related and control cues than the control group and rated the addiction-related pictures with higher ‘arousal’ and ‘urge’ than the control images. No group differences emerged in the dot-probe paradigm and implicit association task. Acute stress showed no effect on performance in the behavioural tasks. Regression models investigating the impact of craving on the relationship between stress response and implicit cognitions within the group with CBSD were not significant.
Discussion
The findings demonstrate the involvement and generalization of cue reactivity in online CBSD, but do not provide support for effects of acute stress on cue reactivity, attentional bias and implicit associations.
Conclusions
Future studies should not be restricted to women and combine laboratory and naturalistic study designs to investigate the complex psychological mechanisms in online CBSD.
Abstract
This article critically addresses one of the most pressing questions of the current moment of the psychedelic wave: Is mainstreaming psychedelics a good thing? Our aim is not to provide a simple “yes” or “no” as an answer but to explore the tensions, controversies, disparities, inequalities, and risks that have risen in the last decades. We discuss the limits of psychedelic science as the paradigm leading this movement and the risks of an overemphasis on biomedicalization to the detriment of the social sciences, humanities, and traditional knowledge. We also examine policy considerations, the dangers of commodification, and the ecological burdens that the expansion of the use of psychedelics is causing. Additionally, the article reflects on the tendency to prioritize the psychotherapeutic approach to care, a topic that has been neglected in the field. The authors put forward the need for inclusion, ethics, and reciprocity to balance the inequalities that risk recreating the psychedelic movement as another expression of mainstream capitalist endeavors. Given the Food and Drug Administration's delay in approval of MDMA for PTSD and the hurdles for regulating access to psychedelics in ceremonial and therapeutic contexts, such as Colorado and Oregon, there is an urgent need to engage in an informed conversation about the future of the psychedelic movement. It is important to avoid the tendency to romanticize this landscape and to do a proper assessment of the contemporary challenges and ethical risks that we face in the future.
Abstract
Background and aims
Online dating applications (ODAs) are gaining popularity, raising concerns about their potential addictive effects on users' health. The main objective of this study was to investigate the association between problematic ODA use and mental health, substance use, and sexual behavior outcomes in men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM). To achieve this, we first validated a German version of the Problematic ODA Use Scale (PODAUS), which assesses problematic ODA usage patterns.
Methods
Problematic ODA use was assessed in 226 HIV-negative MSM counseling for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis at baseline and 6-month follow-up (n = 164, Mage = 42, SD = 11). The German PODAUS was validated using confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) and correlational analysis. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to investigate associations of PODAUS with mental, sexual health, and substance use outcomes.
Results
CFA supported PODAUS’ 6-item unidimensional structure, demonstrating excellent fit indices. Reliability analyses indicated good internal consistency (α = 0.79) and high test-retest reliability (r s = 0.68). Regarding mental health, significant positive associations were found between PODAUS and symptoms of depression, loneliness, anxiety, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and impulsivity, with medium to large effect sizes. Regarding sexual health, significant negative associations of small to medium effect sizes were found between PODAUS and lifetime prevalence of sexually transmitted infections, body acceptance, and sexual fulfillment, while a significant positive association with trait sex motivation occurred.
Discussion and Conclusion
The German version of PODAUS emerges as a valid, reliable tool to assess problematic ODA use. In an MSM sample, problematic ODA use was associated with lower mental and sexual health.
Abstract
Background
There is a need to systemically diversify psychedelic clinical trials, considering the growing interest in in the therapeutic potential of psychedelics within Black, Indigenous, and Peoples of Color (BIPOC) and queer communities. Doing so contributes to a more inclusive foundation of evidence-based research and addresses ethical considerations surrounding anticipated demand for these treatments following regulatory approval. Cultural attunement may be key to facilitating effective research and ensuring equitable treatment.
Aims
Here, we introduce a primer for culturally attuned psychedelic clinical trials. We narratively review prevalent psychological and pragmatic barriers to diversity – as part of set and setting – in modern psychedelic trials. We also propose potential strategies for the culturally attuned recruitment, assessment, and retention of diverse participants.
Methods
This primer narratively synthesizes existing literature on barriers and potential strategies for culturally attuned psychedelic trials. Here, the scope is on classic psychedelics and other drugs with consciousness-altering effects (3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine [MDMA], ketamine). The term ‘diversity’ focuses on BIPOC and sexual- and gender-diverse populations, primarily in the US.
Results
Psychological and pragmatic barriers include stigma, medical mistrust, history of psychedelic-assisted conversion therapy, income disparities, schedule inflexibilities, and transportation inaccessibility. Culturally attuned recruitment, assessment, and retention strategies include queering/diversifying the study team, debinarizing the therapist dyad, developing culturally attuned flyers, community outreach, using culturally attuned language, improving transportation-related access, diversifying room setup, and using culturally attuned assessments.
Conclusions
Psychedelic research groups are encouraged to adapt and enact these recommendations in their clinical trials, to improve accessibility to innovative mental health treatments for diverse populations.
Abstract
Objective
To explore the individual and interactive associations between mobile gaming addiction (MGA), excessive consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), and overweight/obesity among schoolchildren, and to investigate whether these interactions vary by gender or grade level.
Methods
Data were drawn from the Children's Growth Environment, Lifestyle, and Physical and Mental Health Development project (COHERENCE) conducted in Guangzhou, China, during the 2019/20 academic year. 418,197 children aged 6–12 years were included in the study. All participants were asked to complete an eligible questionnaire to provide details of their MGA over the past three months and SSBs consumption over the past week. Multiplicative and additive interaction models were performed to evaluate the interaction effects of MGA and excessive SSBs consumption on overweight/obesity, and variations by gender and grade level were also examined.
Results
Excessive SSBs consumption was identified as a risk factor for childhood overweight/obesity, but MGA was not. However, the combination of MGA and excessive SSBs consumption was associated with an increased risk of overweight/obesity. This multiplicative interaction was significantly stronger in girls than in boys, with no differences observed across grade levels. Additionally, the additive interaction effect between MGA and excessive SSBs consumption was present only in girls and children in the lower elementary grades.
Conclusions
This cross-sectional study found that the combination of MGA and excessive SSBs consumption is linked to an increased risk of childhood overweight/obesity, particularly in girls and children in lower elementary grades. These findings highlight the importance of addressing these factors together in targeted interventions.
Abstract
Background and aims
There are limited data regarding associations between gaming disorder and physical activity (PA). The present study investigated the direct association between these two variables and assessed the potentially mediating roles of PA avoidance and two types of weight stigma (i.e., internalized weight stigma and perceived weight stigma) in the association.
Methods
An online cross-sectional survey that assessed PA avoidance, two types of weight stigma, and PA level was completed in late 2023 by 884 Taiwanese young adults aged between 20 and 40 years (63.9% females). Multinomial logistic regression and structural equation modeling (SEM) were used to assess the associations between variables and perform the mediation analysis.
Results
Cognitive behavioral symptoms and negative consequences related to gaming disorder were more common among participants with lower PA than those with moderate to high PA. Individuals at risk of gaming disorder exhibited higher level of PA avoidance, internalized weight stigma, and perceived weight stigma. The SEM found a direct association between gaming disorder and PA, which was negatively mediated by PA avoidance. However, this direct effect was not present when the association was negatively mediated by serial mediations of weight stigma and PA avoidance.
Discussion and Conclusions
Higher gaming disorder was associated with higher levels of PA, but this association may not be present when taking into account the mediation effect of weight stigma and PA avoidance. The findings suggest complex relationships and further research is needed to examine individual differences and relationships among clinical groups.
Abstract
Background and aims
Behavioral addictions (BAs) represent complex and multifaceted disorders often associated with maladaptive neural alteration. To deepen our understanding of the essence of BAs, this study focuses on the neural mechanisms underlying its three stages: reward seeking, self-control, and decision-making. The aim of the current meta-analysis is to investigate the brain regions and neural networks involved in BAs.
Methods
Adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we systematically searched for relevant articles published before September 1, 2024, in the Web of Science and PubMed databases, and supplemented our search with Google Scholar. We conducted analyses using activation likelihood estimation (ALE) meta-analysis and meta-analytic connectivity modeling (MACM) analyses.
Results
A total of 50 functional magnetic resonance imaging studies involving 906 participants were included. The findings showed that individuals with BAs exhibited hyperactivation in the right inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), bilateral caudate and left middle frontal gyrus (MFG), and a high degree of connectivity was found between the right caudate, left caudate, and right IFG. These findings indicated that BAs were associated with the fronto-striatal circuits. Individuals with BAs demonstrate specific neural activation patterns in the reward seeking, self-control, and decision-making stages, characterized by differences in activation and functional connectivity of brain regions associated with these stages.
Discussion and conclusions
This study verifies the pivotal role of the fronto-striatal circuits in BAs and highlights the specific patterns of brain activity in different stages of addictive behavior. These findings expand our understanding of neural mechanisms underlying BAs and supports and provide partial support for the I-PACE model.
