Self-regulatory Capacity Research Articles

Psychological Determinants of Health Behavior.

This review provides a critical overview of current evidence on psychological health behavior determinants and its value in informing intervention and future determinants research. The review begins with work labeling and classifying the myriads of determinants available in the extant research to arrive at core groups of determinants. Next, the conceptual bases of these determinant groups are identified, and the weight of the evidence for their purported effects on health behavior, including belief-based determinants (e.g., outcome expectancies, capacity beliefs), determinants representing self-regulatory capacity (e.g., planning, action control) and nonconscious processes (e.g., habit, implicit cognition), and dispositional determinants (e.g., personality, regulatory control), is critically evaluated. The review also focuses on the theory-based mechanisms underpinning determinant effects and moderating conditions that magnify or diminish them. Finally, the review recommends a shift away from research on determinants as correlates, outlines how determinants can inform intervention development and mechanisms of action tests, suggests alternatives to predominant individualist approaches, and proposes future research directions.

Ethical Leadership and Emotional Exhaustion: The Impact of Moral Intensity and Affective Commitment

Purpose: The impact of ethical leadership on employee emotional exhaustion has been extensively analyzed. However, the impact of a leader’s moral intensity on an employee’s emotional state has gone largely unnoticed. This research demonstrates that ethical leadership influences employee emotional exhaustion as a function of the extent of the leader’s moral standards. Furthermore, this research finds that affective commitment acts as a mediating mechanism. Methods: A simple mediation model is used. The sample consists of 448 professionals in six organizations in the Colombian electrical sector who responded to an online questionnaire. The sampling is probabilistic by conglomerates. Findings: This research found a positive relationship between ethical leadership and emotional exhaustion, with affective commitment being a mechanism that helps explain this association. Ethical behavior is voluntary in nature and develops in an environment of trust. When an ethical leader surpasses specific moral turning points, a follower’s learning becomes an obligation, preventing affective fluidity. A search for acceptance implies constant consumption of resources that weakens the follower’s capacity for self-regulation until it is exhausted. Moreover, when the leader’s expectations are difficult to meet, affective commitment can lead to significant emotional ambiguity in followers. This context intensifies role stress and increases the likelihood of emotional exhaustion. Lastly, seniority in the workplace promotes emotional exhaustion. Originality: This research challenges conventional wisdom about the mitigating effect of ethical leadership on employees’ emotional states. It broadens the understanding of this management style and fills a crucial knowledge gap by introducing a new perspective. Practical Implications: A balanced and accessible leader can quickly convey a convincing ethical discourse. Emphasizing the vulnerability and importance of human beings can help prevent moral anguish and ethical distances. This, in turn, provides followers with resources to mitigate exhaustion and strengthen commitment.

The Biological and Genetic Mechanisms of Fruit Drop in Apple Tree (Malus × domestica Borkh.)

The apple tree (Malus × domestica Borkh.) belongs to the Rosaceae. Due to its adaptability and tolerance to different soil and climatic conditions, it is cultivated worldwide for fresh consumption. The priorities of apple growers are high-quality fruits and stable yield for high production. About 90 to 95 percent of fruits should fall or be eliminated from apple trees to avoid overcropping and poor-quality fruits. Apple trees engage in a complex biological process known as yield self-regulation, which is influenced by several internal and external factors. Apple buds develop in different stages along the branches, and they can potentially give rise to new shoots, leaves, flowers, or fruit clusters. The apple genotype determines how many buds will develop into fruit-bearing structures and the capacity for yield self-regulation. Plant hormones such as ethylene, cytokinins, auxins, and gibberellins play a crucial role in regulating the fruit set, growth, and development, and the balance of these hormones influences the flowering intensity, fruit size, and fruit number on the apple tree. Apple growers often interfere in the self-regulation process by manually thinning fruit clusters. Different thinning methods, such as by hand, mechanical thinning, or applying chemical substances, are used for flower and fruit thinning. The most profitable in commercial orchards is the use of chemicals for elimination, but more environmentally sustainable solutions are required due to the European Green Deal. This review focuses on the biological factors and genetic mechanisms in apple yield self-regulation for a better understanding of the regulatory mechanism of fruitlet abscission for future breeding programs targeted at self-regulating yield apple varieties.

Autonomic regulation and comorbid symptoms in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Vagally-mediated heart rate variability (vmHRV) is regarded as transdiagnostic marker of emotion regulation and cognitive control capacity. We analysed vmHRV of children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Based on previous research, we expected to find comorbid symptom dimensions (i.e. internalizing symptoms, conduct problems (CP), and callous unemotional (CU) traits) to relate to vmHRV measures. The sample comprised 100 (70 boys) medication naïve children with ADHD. Children were 6 to 11 years old. High frequency HRV (HF-HRV) was measured at rest and during a delay of gratification task. Additionally, sympathetic reactivity was assessed via skin conductance responses (SCR). Comorbid symptoms were assessed by parent-report questionnaires and clinical interviews. The multiple correlation between CU traits and the HF-HRV scores proved statistically significant. Higher CU traits were associated with higher HRV resting-state and response scores. CP were positively associated with the SCR score. In children with ADHD, increased CU traits might point to a comparatively less impaired self-regulation capacity in the reward-related context. The result corresponds to findings from previous studies. In the future, CU traits should be considered in analyses of autonomic regulation in ADHD.

Özel Yetenekli Öğrencilerde Fiziksel Aktivitenin Çok Yönlü Boyutlarının İncelenmesi

At the stage of supporting students with special abilities in physical activities, those who learn in a more kinesthetic way can demonstrate high-level abilities with the potential to do so through education and/or tactile learning. Students with special abilities exhibit excellent characteristics in one or more of the following areas when examined by the physical activity dimension. Physical area: physiological predisposition to succeed in a particular sport or activity; competence and fitness to perform physical activities, has a strong awareness of his body. Social area: Excellent in leadership, teamwork, initiative and similar characteristics; willingness to share the enthusiasm and passions of others, has self-confidence in showing his talent. Personal space: Enthusiastic and passionate, high self-regulation capacity, self-discipline, strong time management skills, high self-belief, goal-oriented, challenging, excellent inner front group owner, highly motivated to achieve personal best and skillful in mastering skills. Cognitive area: Planning ability is at a high level, understands and has knowledge of physical / sports-related concepts, has the ability to make decisions under pressure. Field of creativity: Gives fluent, original and sensitive responses to difficulties. The skills that students with special abilities exhibit in the field of sports talent are as follows: Having more advanced agility, balance and coordination than their peers. Being fast, which is an innate characteristic and usually distinguishes "exceptional" athletes. The ability to combine his movements fluidly, Decently and accurately. An unusual interest in learning sports rules or activities and mastery in this area. A high level of willingness to master physical skills. Applying the combination of physical skills and cognitive abilities in the right way at the right time in sports/game/activity skills. An interest in teaching a skill or concept to others. Outstanding leadership qualities in the context of sports or activity. Special talented people not only take pride in performing well, they actively engage with others and help peers and teammates to play well. In order to support students with special abilities in physical activities; regular physical education activities, regular aerobic programs, supports with smart boards or similar interactive technological equipment, interactive sports and games, nature trips with active participation, opportunities to teach physical skills to others, adding multi-media resources (such as computers, videos, software programs, presentations, visuals) can be useful in practitioners' programs (teacher presentations and student presentations). Key Words: Special Ability, Special Ability Students, Physical Activity

The interactive effects of self- and parent-referenced career goal discrepancies on young adults’ career indecision

AbstractWe tested a model in which discrepancy with parents’ career goals moderated the indirect path from young adults’ self-perceived career goal discrepancy to career indecision via negative emotions (regret and distress) and self-regulatory capacity. We surveyed 236 young adults (MAge = 21.77 years; 71.2% female), finding that parent discrepancy strengthened the positive relationships between self-discrepancy and career regret and self-regulatory depletion, but not distress. However, career distress fully explained the self-discrepancy–career indecision relationship, not moderated by parent-discrepancy. Overall, our model explained 70% of the variance in indecision. This has implications for counsellors to assist young adults in managing discrepancy-related distress and indecision.

Comparison of approach/avoidance intentions for alcohol and vegetable consumption under a temporal self-regulation theory framework

Objective This study aimed to compare the differences between the framing of intention (approach vs. avoidance) and the type of self-regulatory capacity (planning vs. inhibition) to predict two behaviours (alcohol vs. vegetable consumption). Interaction effects between temporal self-regulation theory constructs were also explored. Methods UK participants were recruited online (N = 254) and completed measures of intention (approach and avoidance), self-regulatory capacity (planning and inhibition), and behavioural prepotency (habit) related to alcohol and vegetable consumption. One week later, consumption was assessed. Results Habit strength and approach-intentions consistently predicted consumption across each model for both behaviours. There was mixed support for avoidance-intentions and self-regulatory capacity variables in predicting consumption. Planning was more important in vegetable consumption than in alcohol consumption, and avoidance-intentions were only predictive in alcohol consumption. Inhibition was not significant for either behaviour. The interaction between approach-intention and planning was the only significant moderation detected and was only present in vegetable consumption. Conclusion The framing of intentions and the sub-facet of self-regulatory capacity are important to consider when attempting to explain health behaviours. Furthermore, theoretically defined moderation between temporal self-regulation theory variables might also depend on the type of behaviour and specific measured used to capture self-regulatory capacity.

Exploring purposeful outdoor physical activity and mindfulness for wellbeing: a practitioners' perspective

Mindfulness training can improve one's capacity for self-regulation, including attentional processes, behaviour, and mood control (Tang, Hölzel & Posner, 2015, Nature Rev Neurosci, 16, 213-225). Green exercise has been shown to enhance both physiological and mental health measures with all populations, including adults with long-term diseases or mental health problems, benefiting from outdoor, nature-based interventions (Coventry et al., 2021, Pop Health, 16, 100934; Pretty, Peacock, Sellens & Griffin, 2005, Int J Health Res, 15, 319-337). Engaging in outdoor activities and developing an affective relationship with nature is a key mechanism on the path to wellbeing benefits that go beyond the advantages of simply visiting or being in nature (Richardson & McEwan, 2018, Front Psych, 9, 1500). The aim of the study is to gain insight into how purposeful outdoor physical activity can be used as a form of mindfulness and its potential impact on wellbeing from a practitioner’s perspective. 6-8 exercise professionals aged 18 and over, who have sufficient knowledge of exercise and wellbeing, for example exercise psychologists or health and wellbeing coaches will be recruited for this study. Recruitment for this study will take place by word of mouth and contact directly through a company or LinkedIn. Exercise psychologists must be BASES or BPS accredited. Data will be collected through interviews either at a location to suit the participant or remote (over Microsoft Teams) and analysed using thematic analysis. Interviews will be recorded using the voice memos app on an iPhone and then written up using the dictate function on Microsoft Word. Information collected in addition to the interview will be, participants sex and job title, including how long they have been in their position for. Interviews with each participant will include the following topic areas; discussion around their job and experiences so far within their job, outdoor physical activity and what it means to them, challenges or barriers they have observed from working with clients around physical activity, exploring their opinions on outdoor physical activity in green space, personal experiences being physically active in green space, self-development as a practitioner in the exercise psychology or health and wellbeing and any future recommendations for either other practitioners to think about when working with clients or individuals to think about when trying to include green space in their current physical activity routines.

Correlation between serum uric acid level and atrial fibrillation in patients with hyperthyroidism on medical data analysis context of IoT.

Dysfunctions in metabolism and endocrine systems are outcomes of disruptions in human physiological processes, often leading to disease onset. External factors can hinder the human body's innate capacity for self-regulation and healing, particularly when immune responses are compromised, allowing these factors to interfere with normal bodily functions directly. To explore the effect of uric acid expression water in blood on the occurrence of atrial fibrillation in patients with hyperthyroidism, the expression level of uric acid in the blood and other physiological indexes were compared between patients with no symptoms of atrial fibrillation and patients with hyperthyroidism with symptoms of atrial fibrillation, to find the correlation between them. A group of 112 hyperthyroidism patients who were admitted to our hospital from September 2019 to March 2020 were chosen and split into two groups. The control group consisted of 56 individuals (21 men and 35 women) aged between 16 and 86 years old, with an average age of 46.23 years (± 7.63). The observation group consisted of 56 individuals (24 males and 32 females) between 15 and 79 years, with an average age of 53.44 years (± 8.91). In the patients who were not treated with drugs before hospitalization the disease course and symptoms varied. The patients' clinical medical and demographic data were recorded and the patients' physiological indexes were obtained through blood tests and analysis. The differences between the two groups were analyzed by renal function, blood lipid index, thyroid function, and cardiac ultrasound, and these influencing factors were analyzed by regression analysis. The research adhered to ethical norms and ensured clear data presentation by using a rigorous technique to compare uric acid levels and physiological indicators among various patient groups. The study concentrated on the validation, repeatability, and contextual interpretation of data to provide a robust and rigorously scientific comparison. The most common is the increase of uric acid in the blood, which can induce other diseases, and atrial fibrillation is one of the most common diseases of cardiovascular diseases.

Personality interferences in the pathology of breast cancer: a cross-sectional single-center study.

Individual personality refers to the Ego and the interpersonal sector. The Ego corresponds to consciousness and self-esteem, including the capacities for emotional self-regulation, self-control, self-evaluation, and self-direction in relation to personal goals. When neoplastic and psychiatric diseases coexist, a patient's quality of life is significantly impacted. While there are somatic differences in disease progression, how the illness is perceived and mainly experienced depends on personality traits. In this study, we administered the DECAS Personality Inventory (a Romanian-validated instrument based on the Five-Factor model of personality) to a group of 121 patients diagnosed with breast cancer to explore the relationships among their personality traits. Descriptive statistics revealed that the mean T scores for openness, extroversion, and emotional stability were low, while the scores for conscientiousness and agreeableness were at an average level. Our findings suggest that, in the studied group, low levels of emotional stability, extroversion, and openness were unfavorable personality dimensions that should be a primary focus of therapeutic strategies, as they significantly affect the quality of life in patients with breast cancer.

Generating the Moral Agency to Report Peers’ Counterproductive Work Behavior in Normal and Extreme Contexts: The Generative Roles of Ethical Leadership, Moral Potency, and Psychological Safety

Generating the Moral Agency to Report Peers’ Counterproductive Work Behavior in Normal and Extreme Contexts: The Generative Roles of Ethical Leadership, Moral Potency, and Psychological Safety

Self-regulation in problem-based blended learning

Self-regulation is pivotal for student success in the 21st-century learning landscape, enabling learners to effectively manage their academic goals and processes. This research investigates the impact of problem-based blended learning on students' self-regulation skills. A quasi-experimental design was employed, featuring a non-randomized control group. The experimental group was exposed to problem-based blended learning, while the control group experienced traditional face-to-face problem-based learning. The study involved 65 students from SMA Negeri 1 Prambanan, with self-regulation assessed through a closed questionnaire addressing nine key indicators. Data analysis revealed no significant difference in self-regulation between the control and experimental groups; however, the experimental group showed better outcomes. This group's higher performance in self-regulation was attributed to the flexible, interactive, and time-independent nature of blended learning, which fosters better time management, environmental structuring, and goal-setting among students. The findings underscore the potential of problem-based blended learning to enhance students' self-regulatory capacities, ultimately contributing to improved academic achievement and the development of essential 21st-century skills.

Application of mindfulness-based interventions – MBCT and MBSR – in depression treatment and relapse prevention

Introduction: Depression stands as a primary contributor to disability, prompting extensive exploration of treatment and prevention strategies. Recognizing the limitations of conventional approaches, the significance of effective non-pharmacological therapies, like psychotherapy, in managing mental health disorders is increasingly acknowledged. There's a growing interest in mindfulness-based interventions such as Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). These interventions, which prioritize present-moment awareness and acceptance, target depression's mechanisms, such as rumination, while cultivating coping strategies and resilience. Mindfulness, with its comprehensive approach and capacity for self-regulation, emerges as pivotal in addressing psychiatric conditions. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of MBCT and MBSR's effectiveness in treating depression and preventing relapses. Description of the state of knowledge: MBCT and MBSR exhibit promising potential in effectively managing and preventing depression. Moreover, they alleviate anxiety, emotional exhaustion, stress and psychological distress, while fostering improved coping with rumination, memory disturbances and emotional regulation. Summary: Research indicates that incorporating MBCT and MBSR could offer a hopeful avenue for managing and alleviating the symptoms of depression and mental disorders, by addressing underlying factors which play a pivotal role in their development. To corroborate these encouraging results, additional randomized, large-scale, placebo-controlled trials are essential.

Application of mindfulness-based interventions – MBCT and MBSR – in depression treatment and relapse prevention

Introduction: Depression stands as a primary contributor to disability, prompting extensive exploration of treatment and prevention strategies. Recognizing the limitations of conventional approaches, the significance of effective non-pharmacological therapies, like psychotherapy, in managing mental health disorders is increasingly acknowledged. There's a growing interest in mindfulness-based interventions such as Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). These interventions, which prioritize present-moment awareness and acceptance, target depression's mechanisms, such as rumination, while cultivating coping strategies and resilience. Mindfulness, with its comprehensive approach and capacity for self-regulation, emerges as pivotal in addressing psychiatric conditions. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of MBCT and MBSR's effectiveness in treating depression and preventing relapses. Description of the state of knowledge: MBCT and MBSR exhibit promising potential in effectively managing and preventing depression. Moreover, they alleviate anxiety, emotional exhaustion, stress and psychological distress, while fostering improved coping with rumination, memory disturbances and emotional regulation. Summary: Research indicates that incorporating MBCT and MBSR could offer a hopeful avenue for managing and alleviating the symptoms of depression and mental disorders, by addressing underlying factors which play a pivotal role in their development. To corroborate these encouraging results, additional randomized, large-scale, placebo-controlled trials are essential.

Evaluating the utility of temporal self-regulation theory for understanding physical activity outcomes in a behavioral weight loss maintenance program

Objective Physical activity (PA) is critical for weight loss maintenance (WLM) success. Clarifying mechanisms behind PA engagement may suggest new WLM intervention targets. This study examined an application of temporal self-regulation theory (TST) to enhance our understanding of PA during WLM. Methods and measures Participants (n = 214) who achieved a ≥ 5% weight loss during a 4-month weight loss intervention were recruited into an 18-month WLM trial. TST constructs (i.e. PA beliefs, intention, behavioral prepotency, self-regulatory capacity) were measured via self-report measures. PA was subsequently assessed over a 7-day period with waist-worn Actigraph GT9X. Robust linear regression models and generalized linear mixed models tested the association between PA beliefs and intention, and the associations between intention, behavioral prepotency, self-regulatory capacity and device-measured PA at baseline and 18-months. Results Short-term positive beliefs were associated with intention at baseline and 18-months, whereas short-term negative beliefs were associated with intention at 18-months only. Intention was associated with moderate/vigorous PA (MVPA) minutes and bouted MVPA at baseline and 18-months. The intention by self-regulatory capacity interaction was significant at baseline. Conclusion Findings lend some support for the use of TST for understanding PA and suggest that short-term beliefs about PA may represent a meaningful target for intervention.

Second language motivational self-system, self-regulatory capacities and behavioral engagement: A proposal of an enhanced language learning program

Second language motivational self-system, self-regulatory capacities and behavioral engagement: A proposal of an enhanced language learning program

Revisiting the Construct Validity of Self-Regulating Capacity in Vocabulary Learning Scale: The Confirmatory Composite Analysis (CCA) Approach

Abstract Research into self-regulating capacity in vocabulary learning is recognized as a significant topic within the second language domain. The self-regulating capacity in vocabulary learning scale (SRCvoc; Tseng et al. 2006) is arguably the most widely used tool for assessing this construct. The common factor model, which is applied through confirmatory factor analysis and exploratory factor analysis, has been the primary methods for validating the SRCvoc. However, previous studies have encountered difficulties in obtaining good model fit and generated results that deviate from supporting the theory. We argue the constructs of the SRCvoc are inherently composites, rather than common factors, and should therefore be evaluated using confirmatory composite analysis. In this study, we compared the results of CFA and CCA, highlighting the shortcomings of CFA in supporting the construct validity of composite constructs such as SRCvoc. CFA failed to satisfy the conceptual and empirical perspectives of SRCvoc. In contrast, our data supported the construct validity of SRCvoc solely through CCA. We also evaluated the criterion-related validity of SRCvoc via the composite model and showed that SRCvoc constructs were positively and moderately associated with L2 vocabulary achievement.

Adolescents’ problematic internet use and psychological well-being : the mediating role of sleep quality and self-regulation

This study investigated the impact of Problematic Internet Use (PIU) on Iranian adolescents' Psychological Well-Being (PWB), focusing on the mediating roles of sleep quality and self-regulation. Data was collected from a sample of students (n=228, girl=197, boy=31) aged 12 to 19 years. Participants completed four online questionnaires, including the PIU questionnaire, the Psychological Well-Being Scale (PWBS), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Short Self-Regulation Questionnaire (SSRQ). Results confirmed that while PIU was not directly effective on PWB, it was indirectly effective through the mediation of sleep quality and self-regulation. By gaining such understanding, we can devise interventions to enhance individuals' sleep quality and self-regulatory capacities, thereby improving their PWB.

Case Analysis of a Patient with Functional Pathological Crying

IntroductionFunctional pathological crying is a complex psychic phenomenon which poses both diagnostic and management challenges to the psychiatrist and psychotherapist. Apart from treatment with medications when clinically indicated, psychodynamic psychotherapy can be useful to understand the aetiology and to address these psychological issues faced by patients.ObjectivesIn this case report, psychodynamic psychotherapeutic techniques are employed to examine and manage functional pathological crying.Ms L was a 33-year-old Chinese single woman who presented with mixed depressive and anxiety symptoms associated with frequent severe bouts of wailing. She had a history of parental neglect and childhood sexual abuse. Following psychiatric assessment, she was diagnosed with Mixed Depressive and Anxiety Disorder, and Borderline Personality Disorder. She was treated with Sertraline 50mg every morning and was referred for psychodynamic therapy.MethodsBuilding trust and rapport with Ms L was crucial so that the therapeutic relationship could be utilized as a vehicle for change through earned attachments. Helping her appreciate how present experiences reflect conflicts from her past and addressing her defence mechanisms with the aims of expression of emotions, exploring her wishes and fantasies to access unconscious conflicts were important. These build greater self-awareness which helped her to develop the capacity for emotional self-regulation, bringing about an increase in her level of adaptation to stressors.ResultsDuring the early phase of therapy, Ms L would be wailing throughout most of the therapy hour. As therapeutic rapport and trust were established, she began to open up about her abuse for us to explore her conflicts and complex emotions associated with it.The key themes that emerged were her chronic low self-esteem with fears of authorities and abandonment, the tendency to take up a defended regressive helpless child-like position whenever feelings related to the abuse were rekindled, as well as the manifestation of these complicated psychic experiences in the form of a complex wailing phenomenon.The functional pathological crying was a mixture of an expression of her challenging conflictual painful feelings, symbolic expression of her cry for help, repressive and regressive child-like emotional states as well as having a defensive function to avoid coming in touch with painful feelings.Through therapy, Ms L was able to make better sense of her wailing, develop the capacity for emotional self-regulation by adopting a healthier adult position in responding to difficult feelings when triggered, learning to forgive herself and others, assume better self-care and improved relationships with others.ConclusionsThrough psychodynamic psychotherapy, complex functional pathological crying can be better understood and managed to bring about intra-psychic and interpersonal functional improvements.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Functional biodiversity and agroecological selfregulation for sustainable food

Functional biodiversity is a determining factor in the agroecological transformation towards sustainable food systems. The agroecological design and management of productive, associated and auxiliary biodiversity accumulates agroecological self-regulation capacities from the primary production process to food ingestion