Abstract: Introduction: Borsboom et al. (2004) argued that construct validity requires causal evidence, not just correlational patterns within nomological networks. However, causal validation is methodologically challenging. Necessary Condition Analysis (NCA) identifies conditions that must be present for an outcome to occur, complementing correlation-based approaches that test whether a condition is sufficient. This study integrates NCA with nomological networks to strengthen construct validity evidence. Aim: We propose and test a novel framework combining NCA and nomological networks to validate a new life satisfaction measurement scale. Methods: Three studies were conducted: Study 1 ( N = 482, U.S.) assessed convergent validity and nomological alignment. Studies 2 ( N = 372, China) and 3 ( N = 300, longitudinal) applied NCA to test if (1) positive affect is necessary for life satisfaction and (2) changes in life satisfaction are necessary for changes in the new measure. Results: NCA confirmed positive affect as a necessary condition for life satisfaction in both measures (negative affect was not). Longitudinal NCA showed that changes in life satisfaction were necessary for changes in the new measure ( d ≥ .26). Discussion/Conclusion: Integrating NCA with nomological networks extends construct validity beyond correlations, offering a robust, methodologically accessible approach for causal validation in psychological measurement.

Abstract: Introduction: Promotion of gender-inclusive language has become a key political goal. Legal mandates have led to increased adoption in administration, but everyday use remains relatively uncommon. While the advantages of gender-inclusive language (greater sense of inclusion) are widely acknowledged, many individuals still refrain from actively using it. Reasons include cultural norms, habits, resistance to change, and personal values. Aim: Current instruments to assess the use of gender-inclusive language do not fully grasp the underlying reasons. Hence, their insights do not inform actionable measures to address the underlying reasons. We developed a comprehensive 21-item questionnaire that produces insights both on motivational aspects and level (emotion/cognition/behavior). Methods: The questionnaire follows the facet-theory approach and also includes a condensed 7-item version. The questionnaire was validated with data collected from two independent samples, comprising 279 participants. Results: The condensed 7-item version shows good reliability (Cronbach’s alpha .942) and excellent discriminant power ( r it ranging from .69 to .88). Conclusion: We recommend using this tool to evaluate the factors motivating the use of gender-inclusive language and to inform the development of strategies and measures aimed at promoting its wider adoption both in Germany and internationally.

Abstract: Introduction: Marital infidelity often results in significant emotional distress. In some cultural contexts, including the Iranian context, this distress may be particularly pronounced among women. Exploring psychological and spiritual factors influencing their reactions is vital for developing supportive interventions. Aim: This study investigated the relationships between self-esteem, spirituality, and the likelihood of retaliatory infidelity in women who have experienced partner betrayal. Methods: A sample of 400 Iranian women who had encountered infidelity completed questionnaires assessing demographics, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, a spirituality scale, and an infidelity tendency measure. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and multivariate regression. Results: The average infidelity tendency score exceeded the cut-off point. Regression analyses revealed significant negative associations between self-esteem ( p = .001, β = –0.52) and spirituality ( p = .001, β = –0.21) with infidelity tendency, jointly explaining 35.9% of the variance. No significant associations were found between infidelity tendency and age, education, or marriage duration ( p > .05). Discussion/conclusion: Higher levels of self-esteem and spirituality were associated with lower tendencies toward infidelity among women who had experienced marital betrayal. These findings highlight the protective role of personal and spiritual strengths, advocating their integration into therapeutic and educational support strategies.

Abstract: Background: In the evolving landscape of Chinese higher education, developing mental health policies is critical for addressing students’ psychological well-being. As the socio-cultural fabric transforms, it becomes imperative to investigate the psychological factors influencing these policies. This research investigates experts’ perspectives on the variables influencing mental health policies in Chinese higher education. Objectives: This study explores expert opinions on policy creation, cultural stigma, and institutional mental health assistance in Chinese higher education to uncover psychological factors affecting mental health policies. This study examines key challenges, stakeholder collaboration, and effective policy measures to increase student well-being. Methodology: Expert insights were gathered through semi-structured interviews with 30 experts, including university mental health professionals, educational psychologists, and administrators. Thematic analysis identified patterns, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of influencing factors. Ethical standards, including confidentiality and informed consent, were observed. Results: Expert interviews revealed psychological factors affecting mental health policy in Chinese higher education, including cultural stigma, academic pressures, and awareness gaps. Experts emphasized the need for holistic strategies to address these issues and create a more supportive educational environment. Conclusions: The study elucidates psychological dynamics influencing mental health policies. Addressing stigma and awareness were key. Findings emphasize interventions to improve students’ well-being.

Abstract: Introduction: Anhedonia, the diminished ability to experience pleasure, is a transdiagnostic symptom in several neuropsychiatric disorders. To comprehensively assess this symptom, the Dimensional Anhedonia Rating Scale (DARS) measures interest, motivation, effort, and consummatory pleasure across four reward types. Aim: Using three independent samples, we aimed to validate the French version of the DARS and evaluate its psychometric properties across digital (Samples 1 and 2) and paper-based (Sample 3) formats. Methods: A total of 1,437 French-speaking participants from the general population completed the DARS alongside measures of anhedonia, depression, and behavioral inhibition/activation. Results: Factor analyses confirmed the four-factor structure of the DARS with excellent model fit indices (CFI ≥ .962, RMSEA ≤ .036) and strong internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = .74–.93) across both formats. The French DARS showed good convergent validity, with weak-to-moderate correlations with other anhedonia and behavioral activation measures, and strong divergent validity, with weak correlations with depression. Measurement invariance across gender was established. Gender differences were found; women scored higher overall, while men scored higher on the hobbies subscale. Measurement invariance analyses supported configural and metric invariance across formats, though full invariance was not achieved due to a lack of scalar invariance. Discussion/conclusion: These findings support the French DARS as a reliable and valid tool for assessing anhedonia.

Abstract: Introduction: This study extends the theory of planned behavior to explore the factors influencing people to follow the Green Packaging Law in Germany. In addition to the factors in the theory of planned behavior (TPB) model, such as attitudinal factors, normative factors, and perceived behavioral control, this study adds another factor – moral obligation – thus extending the theory of planned behavior model. Methods: We used convenience sampling, resulting in 712 effective samples, 54.6% of whom were men and 45.4% women. We used AMOS 21 to perform structural equation modeling to test the proposed hypotheses. Results: The result shows a good fit (incremental fit index = 0.93; Tucker–Lewis index = 0.92; comparative fit index = 0.93; root mean square error of approximation = 0.07; chi-square/degree of freedom = 2.32; goodness of fit index: 0.93). Discussion: The findings suggest that the TPB model is suitable for the study of behavioral intention toward the related issue. This research broadens the application field for the TPB model. Second, in this study, we add moral obligation to form an extended TPB model. The study enhanced its validity by examining the extended TPB model, which includes the moral obligation to understand one’s intention to follow environmentally-related law in Germany.

Abstract: Introduction: Sleep difficulties are some of the marked challenges faced by young people with autism, their families, and caregivers. Aim: The present study investigated the buffering effects of parental sleep knowledge and social support in the relationship between sleep difficulties in children with autism and poor family functioning. Methods: A convenience sample of 200 participants was recruited. Questionnaires were used to collect data. Results: Parental sleep knowledge moderates the relationship between sleep difficulties in children with autism and poor family functioning (Hypothesis 1 and Model 1), social support moderates the relationship between sleep difficulties in children with autism and poor family functioning (Hypothesis 2 and Model 2), and parental sleep knowledge and social support together buffer the relationship between sleep difficulties in children with autism and poor family functioning (Hypothesis 3 and Model 3). There is a positive relationship between a child’s sleep problems and their parents’ family functioning. Discussion/Conclusion: It is reasonable to expect that if the child is not sleeping or is not sleeping well, the parent and family are also likely to experience sleep problems in some way. Moreover, sleep problems in children can significantly and profoundly impact not only the developmental trajectory of the child but also negatively impact the family and heighten stress.

Abstract: Introduction: Adolescence is a developmental stage during which adolescents often report lower levels of well-being. Understanding the factors that enhance subjective well-being is essential to its improvement. However, the specific relationships between emotional intelligence, resilience, and subjective well-being remain unclear. Aim: This study compares six theoretical models based on preliminary research exploring the relationship dynamics among emotional intelligence, resilience, and subjective well-being. Methods: Participants included 1,397 schoolchildren aged 12 to 16 years ( M = 13.88; SD = 1.27). Results: The findings support a sequential model in which emotional intelligence directly predicts both positive (emotional clarity and repair) and negative (emotional attention and clarity) effects. Emotional intelligence also indirectly influences these variables through resilience, while resilience directly and indirectly predicts life satisfaction via the affective domain. Discussion: The results reveal a stepwise relationship dynamic, highlighting the mediational role of resilience and affective balance. Additionally, the affective components of subjective well-being play distinct roles compared to life satisfaction when analyzed alongside other well-being-related variables in a multivariate framework. This study opens up new avenues for enhancing adolescent life satisfaction.

Abstract: Aim: It is important to identify the factors associated with suicide risk. This study examines how depression mediates the relationship between the Dark Triad personality traits and suicide risk. Methods: We collected data from 448 Turkish university students (mean age =21.14 ± 1.97; females 72.8%) using an online survey that included the Dark Triad Dirty Dozen Scale, the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale, and the Suicide Probability Scale. Results: The findings indicated that Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and narcissism positively correlated with depression, low self-perception, anger/impulsivity, hopelessness/loneliness, and suicidal ideation. Depression was more associated with Machiavellianism and psychopathy than with suicide ideation. Depression was found to have a significant positive relationship with suicide probability and acted as a mediator between the Dark Triad personality traits and suicide risk. There were stronger direct pathways from psychopathy to suicide ideation than to impulsivity. Discussion/conclusion: These results suggest that the combination of the Dark Triad traits and depression could increase the probability of suicide. Our study highlights the importance of addressing both Dark Triad traits and psychological distress, such as depression, in efforts to reduce suicide risk among university students.

Abstract: Introduction: This study investigates the impact of gender, age, first university choice, and place of residence on academic adaptation and performance. It further explores how intrinsic and extrinsic motivation mediate these relationships. Aim: The study assesses how personal characteristics influence academic adaptation and performance, specifically focusing on the mediating roles of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Methods: We employed two path analysis models to analyze the data and explore the relationships between the variables. The models specifically examined the effects of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation on academic adaptation and performance as well as how these effects vary based on gender, age, first university choice, and place of residence. Results: The analysis revealed that intrinsic motivation positively impacts academic adaptation and performance, especially among female students and those studying in their first-choice departments. Additionally, we found age to be a significant factor, with younger students demonstrating higher academic outcomes than their older counterparts.