Differences In Behavior Research Articles

Longitudinal sex-specific impacts of high-fat diet on dopaminergic dysregulation and behavior from periadolescence to late adulthood.

Obesity is recognized for its adverse impact on brain health and related behaviors; however, the specific longitudinal effects of a high-fat diet (HFD) from juvenile stages of development through late adulthood remain poorly understood, particularly sex-specific outcomes. This study aimed to determine how prolonged exposure to HFD, commencing during periadolescence, would differentially predispose male and female mice to an elevated risk of dopaminergic dysregulation and associated behavioral deficits. One-month-old C57BL/6J male and female mice were subjected to either a control diet or an HFD for 5 and 9 months. Muscle strength, motor skills, sensorimotor integration, and anxiety-like behaviors were assessed at the end of the 5th and 8th months. Key dopaminergic molecules, including dopamine (DA), dopamine receptor D2 (DRD2), dopamine transporter (DAT), and vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2), were quantified at the end of the 5th or 9th months. Behaviorally, male mice exposed to HFD exhibited more pronounced alterations in sensorimotor integration, anxiety-like behavior, and muscle strength after the 5th month of dietary exposure. In contrast, female mice displayed most behavioral differences after the 8th month of HFD exposure. Physiologically, there were notable sex-specific variations in the dopaminergic pathway response to HFD. Male mice exposed to HFD exhibited elevated tissue levels of VMAT2 and DRD2, whereas female mice showed reduced levels of DRD2 and DAT compared to control groups. These findings indicate a general trend of altered time course susceptibility in male mice to chronic HFD consumption compared to their female counterparts, with male mice impacted earlier than females.

Sex and mental health are related to subcortical brain microstructure

Some mental health problems such as depression and anxiety are more common in females, while others such as autism and attention deficit/hyperactivity (AD/H) are more common in males. However, the neurobiological origins of these sex differences are poorly understood. Animal studies have shown substantial sex differences in neuronal and glial cell structure, while human brain imaging studies have shown only small differences, which largely reflect overall body and brain size. Advanced diffusion MRI techniques can be used to examine intracellular, extracellular, and free water signal contributions and provide unique insights into microscopic cellular structure. However, the extent to which sex differences exist in these metrics of subcortical gray matter structures implicated in psychiatric disorders is not known. Here, we show large sex-related differences in microstructure in subcortical regions, including the hippocampus, thalamus, and nucleus accumbens in a large sample of young adults. Unlike conventional T1-weighted structural imaging, large sex differences remained after adjustment for age and brain volume. Further, diffusion metrics in the thalamus and amygdala were associated with depression, anxiety, AD/H, and antisocial personality problems. Diffusion MRI may provide mechanistic insights into the origin of sex differences in behavior and mental health over the life course and help to bridge the gap between findings from experimental, epidemiological, and clinical mental health research.

Oxidation behavior and corrosion resistance of CoCrFeNi high entropy alloy compared with FeCoNi medium entropy alloy

The entropy-based alloy with excellent oxidation and corrosion resistance is of great significance for practical applications in high-temperature environments. Thus, the difference in anti-oxidation property and corrosion behavior of FeCoNi MEA and CoCrFeNi HEA in a simulated marine environment was studied via a series of measurements. The results reveal that the HEA possesses superior oxidation and corrosion resistance in comparison with the MEA, which can be demonstrated by comparing the oxidation rate and thickness of oxide layer, corrosion current density (icorr) as well as corrosion morphology after polarization. The microstructure and composition of the oxide layer are the primary reasons resulting in the difference of oxidation and corrosion behaviors of the two alloys. The oxide layer with a compact, even and intact structure is produced on the HEA surface, which hinders the diffusion of detrimental ions and oxygen, whereas the loose, porous and cracked oxide layer consisting of inner Fe3O4 and outer CoO exhibits poor protection against corrosion and oxidation of the MEA. For the HEA, the preferential combination of Cr and O elements forms the protective oxide of Cr2O3, effectively enhancing corrosion resistance and inhibiting oxidation. However, the low protective CoO and relatively active Fe3O4 grow on the MEA surface, which cannot provide a good barrier to restrain oxidation and corrosion.

Importance of growth method and substrate-induced crystalline quality in Al/Gd0.2Ca0.8MnO3/Au memristor devices

We report on the impact of the growth method and substrate-induced crystalline quality on the performance of planar Al/Gd0.2Ca0.8MnO3/Au memristor devices. Structural, magnetic, and resistive properties were thoroughly examined for fundamental characterizations, with a particular emphasis on their correlation with the memristive properties of fabricated devices. Our findings suggest that memristor structures grown on single crystal SrTiO3 substrates using pulsed laser deposition (PLD) consistently exhibit superior crystalline quality compared to those fabricated using chemical solution deposition and on silicon-based substrates. Despite variations in growth method and substrate, all memristor structures display typical resistive switching (RS) behaviour, distinguishing between high-resistance and low-resistance states. However, endurance and retention measurements demonstrate that memristor structures produced via PLD on single crystalline SrTiO3 demonstrate the most favourable RS properties. To elucidate the mechanisms underlying the differences in RS behavior across substrates and deposition methods, we extensively discuss these issues in the context of structural distortion and conduction mechanisms.

A Comparative Study on the Wear Performance and High-Temperature Oxidation of Co-Free Cermets and Hardmetals

The present investigation addresses the mechanical properties, wear behaviour, and high-temperature oxidation of cermets and hardmetals based on either Ti(C,N) or WC and a metal binder based on Fe15Ni or Fe15Ni10Cr. This study also includes a commercial-grade WC-Co for comparative purposes. The production of these materials involved a powder metallurgy and sinter-HIP processing route under identical conditions. It is found that WC-based materials have superior mechanical properties, including hardness, fracture toughness, transversal rupture strength (TRS), and wear response, compared to Ti(C,N)-based materials. However, the latter show better oxidation behaviour than the former. Notably, WC-FeNi exhibits a higher hardness and TRS than the commercial-grade material (an increase of 7% and 9%, respectively). The difference in wear behaviour is due to the difference in wear mechanisms. In this regard, cermets wear through a tribolayer of Ti and Fe oxides, while hardmetals primarily wear through abrasion from ploughing. Thus, hardmetals exhibit a lower coefficient of friction (COF) and wear rate than cermets. Furthermore, Ti(C,N)-based materials form a protective layer of TiO2, which enhances their integrity and reduces mass gain. The addition of Cr to the FeNi binder only appears to have a clear effect on the TRS of the materials.

Gender differences in behaviors toward acceptance of donor egg, sperm, and embryo in Northern Thai infertile couples.

This study aimed to examine the behavior towards the acceptance of donor egg, donor sperm, and donor embryo of Northern Thai infertile couples, separated between men and women. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the CMEx Fertility Center, Chiang Mai, Thailand. The questionnaires consisted of sociodemographic questions and the acceptance of couples toward donor egg, sperm and embryo. The couples filled in the answers separately. A total of 250 infertile couples were assessed. There were no differences in the acceptance rate of donor egg, sperm and embryo between the men and the women. Male acceptance rates were 25.6%, 18.8%, and 18.8%, respectively; while female acceptance rates were 24.4%, 18.4%, and 19.2%, respectively. Most couples (over 70%) concordantly rejected the donation program. Around 10% of couples had discordant answers. The concordance accepted for couples for donor egg, sperm and embryo was only 20%, 13.2%, and 14.8%. Older people and those who had been infertile for a longer period were significantly more likely to accept donation programs. There is no difference concerning the acceptance of donor gametes and embryo among men and women. Most participants reject the utilization of donor programs, the overall acceptance rate is relatively low. This may indicate the need for more adequate information and education for the community to enhance prevention programs rather than focus on the treatment with donor gametes or embryos.

Focal pharmacological manipulation of serotonin signaling in the amygdala does not alter social behavior.

Serotonin signaling plays critical roles in social and emotional behaviors. Likewise, decades of research demonstrate that the amygdala is a prime modulator of social behavior. Permanent excitotoxic lesions and transient amygdala inactivation consistently increase social behaviors in non-human primates. In rodents, acute systemic administration of drugs that increase serotonin signaling is associated with decreased social interactions. However, in primates, the direct involvement of serotonin signaling in the amygdala, particularly in affiliative social interaction, remains unexplored. Here, we examined the effects of serotonin manipulations within the amygdala on social behavior in eight pairs of familiar male macaques. We microinfused drugs targeting the serotonin system into either the basolateral (BLA) or central (CeA) amygdala and measured changes in social behavior. Surprisingly, the results demonstrated no significant differences in social behavior following the infusion of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, 5-HT1A agonist or antagonist, 5-HT2A agonist or antagonist, or 5-HT3 agonist or antagonist into either the BLA or CeA. These findings suggest that serotonin signaling in the amygdala does not directly contribute to the regulation of social behavior between familiar conspecifics. Future research should explore alternative mechanisms and potential interactions with other brain regions to gain a comprehensive understanding of the complex neural circuitry governing social behavior.

Self-reported weekend temporal eating patterns of American adults differ from weekday: National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys: 2015-20-prepandemic.

BackgroundWeekend-weekday differences in time of ingestive events may be implicated in adverse metabolic and health outcomes. However, little is known about the nature of weekend-weekday differences in temporal eating behaviors of the US adult population. ObjectiveThe study aimed to examine weekend-weekday differences in temporal and energy characteristics of ingestive events self-reported by American adults. DesignObservational; within-person comparative. Participants/SettingThe data were from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) 2015-March 2020 (pre-pandemic) for > 20 y old adults who provided one weekday (M-Th) and one weekend (F, S, Su) 24-h dietary recall (n=3564 men and 3823 women). Main Outcome MeasuresPre-specified primary temporal outcomes were recalled time of ingestive events, and the duration of ingestive and fasting windows. Secondary outcomes included frequency and energy characteristics of ingestive events. Statistical Analysis PerformedGender-specific, survey-weighted, multiple linear regression models that accounted for complex survey design with dummy covariates for weekend/weekday, mode of recall administration (in-person on day 1 and telephone on day 2), and a respondent-specific fixed intercept. ResultsIn both men and women, the weekend recalled time of first ingestive event, breakfast, and lunch were later than weekday (p<0.0008); however, no statistically significant differences were observed in time of dinner and the last eating episode. The mean weekend ingestive window (interval between the time of first and last eating events of the day) was shorter by 24 minutes (95% CI -32, -11) in men and 18 minutes (95% CI -20, -15) in women, and the mean overnight fasting window was correspondingly longer (p <0.0001). No statistically significant differences were observed between weekend and weekday frequency of ingestive events. Energy density of weekend food selections reported by women, and of beverages by men was found to be higher than weekday (p<0.002). ConclusionsWeekend ingestive patterns were characterized by later time of first ingestive event, breakfast, and lunch, and selection of higher energy density foods and beverages.

Impact of reduced ejection fraction on affect, cognition and self-care behaviors in adults with heart failure

Abstract Introduction In response to the escalating complexity of clinical care for individuals with heart failure, there is a growing need for in-depth investigations. This study investigated the influence of ejection fraction (EF) on affective symptoms (i.e. anxiety and depression), cognitive function, and self-care behaviors in adults with heart failure. Aim The primary aim of this study was to compare affective symptoms, cognitive function and self-care behaviors between adults who had heart failure with reduced EF (HFrEF: EF≤40%) and adults who had heart failure with preserved EF (HFpEF: EF&amp;gt;40%). The secondary aim was to explore differences in the relationship between cognitive function and self-care behaviors. Material and Methods Participants in this cross-sectional study were recruited from heart failure clinics in Wroclaw, Poland between 2022 and 2023. Comprehensive clinical characteristics, including EF, were extracted from the medical record. Participants completed a survey that included reliable and valid measures of affective symptoms (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)), cognitive function (i.e. the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)), and self-care behaviors (self-care of heart failure index). Results The study included a total of 250 participants with heart failure: 145 (58%) had HFrEF and 105 (42%) had HFpEF. Patients with HFrEF were younger (71.1±6.2 years) than those with HFpEF (73.0±7.0 years; p=0.011). There were fewer women with HFrEF (n=16 (15.2%)) than HFpEF (n=61 (42.1%); p&amp;lt;0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in affective symptoms, cognitive function or self-care behaviors comparing adults with HFrEF vs. HFpEF (all p&amp;gt;0.05). Overall, worse cognitive function was associated with worse self-care based on the MMSE (r=-0.20, p=0.001) but not the MoCA (r=-0.12, p=0.056). Conclusion Although there were no affective, cognitive, or self-care behavioral differences between adults with HFrEF and HFpEF, age and gender differences between these groups must be considered in clinical care. Additionally, cognitive dysfunction, especially as measured by the MMSE, must serve as a red flag for poor self-care in heart failure irrespective of EF.

Going deeper into plutonium sorption affected by redox

Sorption of Pu(VI) onto synthesized goethite under oxidizing and normal conditions was investigated, which revealed its pH dependence on different solid/liquid ratios. Pu speciation upon sorption on the solid phase was characterized via extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy, while that in solution was assessed using ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy and liquid–liquid extraction. The obtained results demonstrate differences in plutonium behavior in the studied systems. Pu(VI) remains hexavalent on the goethite surface and in solution under oxidizing conditions. While Pu(IV) is stabilized on the mineral and Pu(V) is found in solution under normal conditions. This study provides the thermodynamic descriptions of these reactions.

Sex-related variability of white matter tracts in the whole HCP cohort.

Behavioral differences between men and women have been studied extensively, as have differences in brain anatomy. However, most studies have focused on differences in gray matter, while white matter has been much less studied. We conducted a comprehensive study of 77 deep white matter tracts to analyze their volumetric and microstructural variability between men and women in the full Human Connectome Project (HCP) cohort of 1065 healthy individuals aged 22-35years. We found a significant difference in total brain volume between men and women (+ 12.6% in men), consistent with the literature. 16 tracts showed significant volumetric differences between men and women, one of which stood out due to a larger effect size: the corpus callosum genu, which was larger in women (+ 7.3% in women, p = 5.76 × 10-19). In addition, we found several differences in microstructural parameters between men and women, both using standard Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) parameters and more complex microstructural parameters from the Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Density Imaging (NODDI) model, with the tracts showing the greatest differences belonging to motor (cortico-spinal tracts, cortico-cerebellar tracts) or limbic (cingulum, fornix, thalamo-temporal radiations) systems. These microstructural differences may be related to known behavioral differences between the sexes in timed motor performance, aggressiveness/impulsivity, and social cognition.

Heterogeneous impacts of the built environment on survival of customized bus services across the downtown and suburbs

Customized bus services (CBS) lines have been increasingly added in cities to better serve diversified travel needs. The notable variations in the built environment across the downtown and suburbs could result in wide differences in local customers' behaviors and preferences. The allocation of CBS stops thus needs to be considered separately in urban centers and peripheries to ensure the best performance, but such spatial heterogeneity is not specifically studied and justified in the literature. This study takes empirical data containing continuous CBS stops in Shanghai, China, as an example. Using a latent class binomial logit model, it investigates the effects of bus characteristics, geographic, and built environment elements on the survival of CBS stops in downtown and suburbs. The findings demonstrate that the performance of CBS systems is significantly influenced by factors including road density, population density, POI, sidewalk width, greenery area, ticket fare, and the type of CBS line (commute or general) across urban centers and peripheries. Specifically, two latent classes of CBS stops are found to have different effects depending on the stop's location or type of the linked areas, i.e. downtown or suburbs, on a CBS line.

Exploring the Usefulness of a Multi-Sensory Environment on Sensory Behaviors in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurological development with social and communication deficits and sensory abnormalities. Sensory problems have a significant impact on daily life. Multisensory environments (MSEs), such as Snoezelen® rooms, offer controlled sensory stimulation. This study aims to evaluate the effect of MSE intervention with self-controlled sensory interactions on adaptive developmental skills and sensory responses in preschool ASD children. Methods: This pilot study was single-blind, randomized, controlled, and adhered to the CONSORT guidelines. Twenty participants were recruited and randomized into two groups: the control group (CG) underwent treatment as usual (TAU) with individual rehabilitation sessions of psychomotor therapy. The experimental group (EG) underwent TAU integrated with the use of an MSE. Developmental abilities and severity levels were assessed, pre-post, with the Psychoeducational Profile, Third Edition (PEP-3) and the Second Edition Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS-2). Results: A significant difference in taste, smell, and tactile behaviors according to the CARS-2, as well as in gross motor skills according to the PEP-3, was observed in the EG. Conclusions: This pilot study suggests that MSE-integrated intervention may be a valid strategy to improve self-management of the sensory profile in autistic individuals. Further studies are needed to better identify the intervention methodology and effectiveness.

A Cross-Sectional Nationwide Study of Australians' Health: Are There Differences in Health-Related Behaviors and Psychological Distress Between Teachers and Other Occupations?

Teachers' health behaviors and mental well-being are important for their chronic disease risk and reducing burnout. This study investigates the health-related behaviors and psychological distress of Australian teachers compared with other occupations. Data from the nationally representative Australian National Health Survey (NHS) were analyzed. Employed adults (20-64 years) from 2014/2015 (n = 8455), 2017/2018 (n = 9130), and 2020/2021 (n = 5753) survey waves were included. Logistic regression, adjusted for demographics, compared health-related behaviors (eg, physical activity, diet), and psychological distress among teachers, nonteacher professionals (NTPs; eg, accountants, doctors), and other general occupations (eg, laborers, beauticians). After adjusting for demographics and survey wave, teachers had similar odds as NTPs for meeting physical activity (OR: 1.12, 95% CI: 0.90-1.41), vegetable intake (OR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.52-1.00), and alcohol consumption (OR: 1.01, 95% CI: 0.83-1.22) guidelines. However, teachers exhibited higher psychological distress (OR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.01-1.75). Elevated psychological distress levels were observed in all groups in 2020/2021, compared with pre-COVID-19. Compared with NTPs, teachers showed similar or better health-related behaviors, although teachers had higher levels of psychological distress. School executives and policymakers need to implement sustainable measures to prioritise teachers' mental wellbeing.

Differences in lifestyle behaviors, quality of life, and access to healthcare among rural and urban cancer survivors

Differences in lifestyle behaviors, quality of life, and access to healthcare among rural and urban cancer survivors

Rényi entropy-complexity causality space: a novel neurocomputational tool for detecting scale-free features in EEG/iEEG data

Scale-free brain activity, linked with learning, the integration of different time scales, and the formation of mental models, is correlated with a metastable cognitive basis. The spectral slope, a key aspect of scale-free dynamics, was proposed as a potential indicator to distinguish between different sleep stages. Studies suggest that brain networks maintain a consistent scale-free structure across wakefulness, anesthesia, and recovery. Although differences in anesthetic sensitivity between the sexes are recognized, these variations are not evident in clinical electroencephalographic recordings of the cortex. Recently, changes in the slope of the power law exponent of neural activity were found to correlate with changes in Rényi entropy, an extended concept of Shannon's information entropy. These findings establish quantifiers as a promising tool for the study of scale-free dynamics in the brain. Our study presents a novel visual representation called the Rényi entropy-complexity causality space, which encapsulates complexity, permutation entropy, and the Rényi parameter q. The main goal of this study is to define this space for classical dynamical systems within theoretical bounds. In addition, the study aims to investigate how well different time series mimicking scale-free activity can be discriminated. Finally, this tool is used to detect dynamic features in intracranial electroencephalography (iEEG) signals. To achieve these goals, the study implementse the Bandt and Pompe method for ordinal patterns. In this process, each signal is associated with a probability distribution, and the causal measures of Rényi entropy and complexity are computed based on the parameter q. This method is a valuable tool for analyzing simulated time series. It effectively distinguishes elements of correlated noise and provides a straightforward means of examining differences in behaviors, characteristics, and classifications. For the iEEG experimental data, the REM state showed a greater number of significant sex-based differences, while the supramarginal gyrus region showed the most variation across different modes and analyzes. Exploring scale-free brain activity with this framework could provide valuable insights into cognition and neurological disorders. The results may have implications for understanding differences in brain function between the sexes and their possible relevance to neurological disorders.

Risk-Taking Behavior Differs Between Older Adults with and without Mild Cognitive Impairment.

Adequately evaluating risk and making decisions is vital but understudied for older adults living independently but with compromised cognition, as seen in those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), specifically those with amnestic MCI (aMCI) which is associated with higher risk of conversion to Alzheimer's disease. We propose to comprehensively evaluate risk-taking behaviors across domains important for everyday activities between an aMCI group and their cognitively healthy counterparts (HC). A case-control study design. Data on risk-taking behaviors via the Domain-Specific Risk-Taking Scale (DOSPERT), and candidate confounding mental health factors (i.e., neurodegeneration, depression, and fatigue) were collected. Analyses on group difference and interaction between group and confounding factors on risk-taking behaviors were conducted. The aMCI group showed a higher likelihood of risk-taking than HC (t = 4.38, df = 73, p < 0.001). Moderation analysis showed fatigue (F = 5.91, p = 0.018) and presence of depression (F = 4.52, p = 0.037), but not neurodegeneration, as significant moderators for group and DOSPERT total score, controlling for sex. In post-hoc analyses, there was a significant relationship between both fatigue (B = -7.83, SE = 3.65, t = -2.14, p = 0.036), and presence of depression (B = -20.80, SE = 9.97, t = -2.09, p = 0.041), with DOSPERT total score for HC but not for aMCI. There were no significant relationships between neurodegeneration, fatigue, or depression with any specific risk-taking domains after correction for multiple comparisons. Our results show differences in risk-taking behavior between older adults with and without intact cognition, and overall decision-making is affected by fatigue and depression in HC but not aMCI, together suggesting the importance of cognition in the ability to adjust risk-taking behaviors.

Comparing camera‐based ungulate density estimates: a case study using island populations of bighorn sheep and mule deer

AbstractCamera‐based abundance estimators are an alternative methodology of growing interest in both research and management applications. The statistical formulations of camera‐based abundance estimators using time‐lapse data should theoretically produce precise and unbiased estimates; however, production of unbiased results also requires meeting several important assumptions, and real‐world case studies evaluating such results remain relatively few. We applied instantaneous sampling (IS) and space‐to‐event (STE) estimators to remote camera data collected in April 2021 via time‐lapse sampling of closed populations of bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) and mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) on Wild Horse Island in western Montana, USA, and compared results for bighorn sheep to aerial and ground‐based counts. Point estimates from camera‐based approaches underestimated bighorn sheep populations by 32–44% (IS estimator) and 62–69% (STE estimator) relative to aerial and ground counts. Patchy spatial distribution and group‐living behavior of sheep resulted in a high degree of noise surrounding the IS estimate. In comparison, a low point estimate with relatively narrow confidence intervals suggested potential sensitivity of the STE estimator to violating assumptions of independence among individual animals and sampling occasions. Estimates of mule deer had improved precision over sheep estimates, as indicated by lower estimated coefficients of variation of the mean (CVmean) derived from the analytic SE estimator. Using 15‐m viewsheds and the IS estimators, mule deer density estimates came with a 26% CVmean compared to 43% CVmean for bighorn sheep. This discrepancy may be a result of differences in distribution, behavior, and relative abundance between the 2 species. Accounting for group size and increasing time between sampling may improve accuracy of density estimates and adhere better to model assumptions when estimating precision. In addition, factors influencing viewshed and resulting density extrapolations must be considered carefully. While camera‐based methods theoretically provide an alternative way to estimate density when traditional methods are impractical, our results suggest that more work is needed to ensure density estimates are accurate and precise enough to inform population management.

Natural clues to danger: attachment behavior in threatening situations

ABSTRACT A fundamental principle of attachment theory is that threatening situations give rise to individual differences in the extent to which people seek proximity to close others. The current research examines the way in which attachment styles predict individual differences in attachment-relevant behavior during threatening events. We tested alternative theoretical perspectives concerning the association between adult attachment (specifically, attachment avoidance) and attachment behavior in the presence of natural clues to danger by observing couples (N = 204) when they were watching horror vs. control film excerpts. Results suggest that highly avoidant people engaged in less attachment behavior across both threatening and non-threatening situations. These findings have implications for the understanding of attachment-related processes and how working models of the self and others facilitate (or inhibit) the expression of attachment behavior.

Mindful Eating Behaviour, Psychological Well-being, and Gender Differences among Young Adults

The purpose of this paper is to make a theoretical link between mindful eating, psychological health, and gender of young adults concerning health and well-being. The assessment of life satisfaction is a significant aspect of people’s psychological well-being that involves such domains as autonomy, self-realization, interpersonal relationships, and self-approval, which are crucial for estimating the state of people’s mental health. Knowledge and endorsement of what is ingested and how it is processed have been reported to be very effective in supporting healthy nutrition practices and eradicating eating disorders. It is essential to have such behaviors pointed out in young adults because this category of the population is especially susceptible to health hazards during this stage. Personal analysis shows that there is a difference between male and female participants when it comes to psychological health as well as eating habits; therefore, it is essential to examine gender influence on mindful eating as well as the psychological well-being of participants. To assess these variables, the current study employs standard and reliable tools like Ryff’s Psychological Wellbeing Scale and Mindful Eating Behavior Scale on 180 young adult respondents within the age range of 18-26 years. Moreover, demographic variables including gender concerning the relationships on top of depression, stress, and anxiety will also be examined either as the predictor or moderator. The first research question is to understand the direction of the relationship between mindful eating behavior, psychological health, and gender in young adults and the second is to understand whether these relations can be either buffered or exacerbated by specific factors. Thus, the purpose of the study will be to expand the current understanding of the particular strategy that can be used to promote the overall health of such population. In addition, the research will contribute to the database of health determinants concerning young adults and show that complicated approaches are required for individuals with healthy and unhealthy habits concerning their psyche and body.