Emotional Relationship Research Articles

‘They didn’t trust us to follow the rules’ – a qualitative study of how Irish adults with mild and moderate intellectual disabilities experienced the COVID-19 pandemic

Objectives Research documenting the self-reported impact of COVID-19 on people with intellectual disabilities has typically focused on the experiences of people with mild intellectual disabilities living in community settings. This study aimed to explore a broader perspective by examining the lived experiences of Irish adults with mild and moderate intellectual disabilities living in both community and congregated settings during COVID-19. Methods Twenty-six adults with intellectual disabilities, of whom 20 lived in community settings, were interviewed in-person using easy read materials. Interviews were thematically analysed using Template Analysis. Results Five key themes were generated: (1) participants’ emotional response and the impact on relationships and mental and physical health; (2) reduced community access, changed services, and uncertainty; (3) loss of autonomy, greater restrictions, and unequal treatment; (4) self-reflection and reappraising the future through the lens of COVID-19; and (5) pandemic-generated opportunities, skills development, and resources for coping. Conclusions Despite reference to some opportunities for growth and positive changes in routine, participants predominantly highlighted the negative impact of the pandemic on their emotional lives, relationships and sense of assurance of future stability in necessary supports. Participants’ experiences illustrate how the pandemic exposed the fragility of hard-fought advances in autonomy and self-determination. Greater vigilance is needed to protect a rights-based approach to support during times of emergency.

Emotion, Morality and Agency in Wærferth's Old English Version of Gregory's Dialogues

ABSTRACT Werferth's translation of Gregory's Dialogues contains portrayals of the emotions of numerous holy people. The relationship of emotions to agency is of particular interest. Emotions that cannot be controlled or that express vulnerability underscore that saints' power is not their own but comes from God. Yet saintly emotions can also exhibit a synergy with divine wrath or grace. Moreover, the holy life involves a struggle to control the mind which is also a struggle against the devil. It is open to Christians to imitate the saints in this struggle by embracing emotional turmoil as a means of self-affliction through compunction. The Dialogues resemble other ninth-century Mercian texts in their concern with saintly power, but their interest in emotion and mind is taken up in later texts of the traditional Alfredian canon, such as the Boethius.

How brand live streaming affects brand attachment in social commerce: from the perspective of IT affordances

ABSTRACT While promoting the prosperity of China’s social commerce in recent years, celebrity live streaming has been criticized for not being conducive to establishing a strong emotional relationship between brands and consumers. Our study focuses on the non-celebrity live streaming held by brands, called brand live streaming. Our research regards brand live streaming as a new form of brand community. According to IT affordances, We construct a structural model to examine whether and how brand live streaming affects Chinese consumers’ brand attachment. We empirically test the model through the questionnaire distributed to brand live streaming viewers. Our results show that metavoicing affordance, guidance shopping affordance, and trading affordance positively affect consumers’ brand attachment, while visibility affordance does not affect consumers’ brand attachment. In addition, this paper also reveals that symbolic value and sense of community mediate the relationship between IT affordances and brand attachment in brand live streaming. Our study validates the importance of brand live streaming as a viable social commerce form and provides marketers with ways to build brand attachment.

Title: Misdiagnosis in young females – Autism versus Borderline Personality Disorders

IntroductionThe diagnostic overlap between Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD), commonly referred to as Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), presents a considerable challenge in psychiatric practice, particularly for young females. These complexities are amplified by gender biases in the healthcare system and can lead to misdiagnosis, affecting both treatment planning and long-term outcomes.ObjectivesThere are differences and similarities between ASD and EUPD/BPD which encompass its own challenges in diagnosis and treatmentThe presentation seeks to: 1.Offer an in-depth overview of the relationship between ASD and EUPD/BPD in young females.2.Evaluate the diagnostic challenges associated with distinguishing between these two conditions.3.Discuss the practical implications of misdiagnosis on treatment and quality of life. MethodsDrawing from a rich corpus of evidence, including longitudinal studies (e.g., Kerns et al., 2015; Gunderson et al., 2018), meta-analyses, and patient case studies, the presentation adopts a multidisciplinary approach. It utilises clinical interviews, validated diagnostic tools such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5), as well as direct observation to provide a nuanced understanding of ASD and EUPD/BPD characteristics.ResultsShared Characteristics: Both ASD and EUPD/BPD manifest challenges in social functioning and mood regulation, supported by studies indicating sensory sensitivities and affective dysregulation in both conditions (Zanarini et al., 2019; Happé et al., 2019).Differentiating Factors: ASD individuals often struggle with verbal and non-verbal communication, whereas those with EUPD/BPD may excel in these areas but display emotional volatility and unstable relationships, substantiated by differing neurobiological markers (King-Casas et al., 2008; Minshew & Williams, 2007).Misdiagnosis Risks: The failure to correctly diagnose these conditions may lead to ineffective or potentially harmful treatment plans (Zanarini et al., 2013; Solomon et al., 2012).Necessity for Comprehensive Assessment: A multimodal and culturally sensitive diagnostic approach is essential for accurate clinical evaluation (Mandy et al., 2012; Betancur et al., 2009).ConclusionsThe complexities surrounding the accurate diagnosis of ASD and EUPD/BPD in young females necessitate a thorough and multifaceted approach. An incorrect diagnosis could have long-lasting implications, affecting not just the efficacy of therapeutic interventions but also the overall well-being and quality of life of the individual. This presentation underscores the critical importance of drawing from a robust body of evidence and utilising comprehensive diagnostic approaches to differentiate these conditions.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Do attachment styles influence the sexual function of an individual?

IntroductionAttachment theory, first proposed by John Bowlby and later extended by Mary Ainsworth and others, outlines how experiences of early childhood attachment with caregivers can affect one’s emotional and interpersonal relationships throughout adulthood. Typically, attachment styles are categorised into four main types: secure, anxious-ambivalent, avoidant and disorganised. Conversely, it is recognised that various biological, psychological, relational, social and iatrogenic factors elements can impact an individual’s sexual function.ObjectivesOur aim with this research was to present the most current literature on whether there is a correlation between attachment styles and sexual function.MethodsWe conducted a non-systematic review on the topic using PubMed and PsycInfo.ResultsThere is evidence indicating a link between attachment styles and sexual function.People with secure attachment styles tend to experience more positive and fulfilling sexual relationships. Such individuals typically have a more positive self-image, they feel at ease with emotional intimacy, and are therefore able to openly communicate their needs and desires. They exhibit a healthy balance between seeking closeness and maintaining independence.Individuals with anxious attachment styles may experience heightened levels of sexual anxiety and insecurity. Concerns regarding rejection or abandonment within sexual relationships may impact their sexual function and satisfaction. These individuals usually have a negative self-image and may be more prone to seek reassurance and validation through sexual activities.People with avoidant attachment styles may encounter obstacles in developing emotional intimacy and closeness, which can negatively affect their sexual relationships. Such individuals might experience commitment anxiety and prioritise physical aspects of sexual activity over emotional bonding, ultimately decreasing sexual satisfaction for both them and their partners.Disorganised attachment styles are linked with challenges in regulating their emotions and behaviours in intimate situations, which can have a negative impact on sexual function and satisfaction.ConclusionsWhile the literature proposes attachment styles may impact sexual function, it is important to acknowledge other factors that contribute to sexual function. In addition to biological and iatrogenic factors, individual personality, relationship dynamics, past experiences, and cultural influences all have a significant role in shaping one’s sexual behaviour and satisfaction. All of these should be addressed in order to alleviate sexual difficulties.Moreover, attachment styles may develop and change over time through positive relationships and therapeutic interventions, potentially leading to changes in one’s sexual functioning and relationship dynamics.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Counseling Refugees With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Using Emotion-Focused Individual Therapy

Refugees diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may have trouble with emotional regulation, occupational and social relationships, and other areas of daily functioning such as housekeeping and personal hygiene. This article introduces emotion-focused individual therapy (EFIT) as a therapeutic modality that can efficiently address refugees’ PTSD symptoms. EFIT is an evidence-based theory for addressing attachment needs and improving emotional regulation. A hypothetical case example focused on an Afghan refugee demonstrates the clinical application of EFIT. Recommendations are offered for ethical practice, culturally responsive counseling with attention to social justice advocacy strategies, and research needs. This article guides counselors aiming to apply EFIT with refugees diagnosed with PTSD.

Modern Advertising's Impact on Consumer Emotions

People see all kinds of advertisements everywhere: in shopping malls, in the metro, and on mobile phones. Brands want to introduce themselves through adverts, whether it is a brainwashing presentation or a targeted introduction, to make the audience remember but also to find the brand's target users to draw closer. At the same time, according to the development of technology, advertising is no longer only active on paper. However, it has also begun to stand up and become conscious bodies, from pure introduction to storytelling. Everyone browses a lot of pictures or text every day; how to attract an audience among thousands of adverts and whether the impression is deep or not is the key to good or bad adverts. This study explores the emotional relationship between adverts and consumers in the digital age. Brands and companies should consider how digital adverts can lead consumers to the correct emotional values and ways to tell a good story to the audience.

School architecture, its adaptability and forms of student’s life at school: a case study of the art high school in Cracow

The case study research presented here focuses on the modern building of the State High School of Fine Arts in Cracow. The objective was to examine the adaptability of school architecture in response to new educational challenges. The survey gathered data using a paper questionnaire involving most students (N = 167). Mixed techniques were used to collect data, including participant drawings and free statements. The investigated issues included evaluating the school’s responsiveness to students’ needs, understanding the meaning of places, identifying students’ favourite places, and exploring the emotional relationship and identification with school goals and use of school space. The findings indicate that students value the school’s artistic ambience, desire greater space flexibility for participation and creativity, and a dedicated area for everyday needs.

Exploring the Link Between Emotional Intelligence and Training Efficacy from Supervisor’s Rated Performance in the Retail Industry

The retail sector is a dynamic and demanding environment, requiring employees to possess a diverse skillset beyond product knowledge and sales techniques. Emotional Intelligence (EI), encompassing selfawareness, self-regulation, social awareness, and relationship management, emerges as a crucial factor impacting both training efficacy and performance, as judged by supervisors. EI holds significance in forecasting human behaviour in the workplace. To investigate this, 204 full-time employees were surveyed on their self-reported EI, training experiences, and supervisors’ evaluations of their job performance in both task-related and contextual aspects. Researchers designed a questionnaire based on existing studies and adjusted it to ensure it accurately measured the intended concepts. They tested the questionnaire on a small group of experts, who provided feedback that led to further improvements. Through Sequential Equation Models (SEM), hypotheses were examined. The study showed that EI significantly boosts learning outcomes, how easy learning feels, and how well people perform at work. Additionally, it found that perceiving learning as useful and easy plays a key role in overall learning and ultimately job performance. This suggests that training effectiveness can be improved by people being able to manage their own and others’ emotions. Previous research by Khokhar and Kush (2009) already established a strong link between learning and performance. However, no prior studies have explored how training influences personality traits or looked at the impact of EI on how easy learning feels.

Promoting teachers' wellbeing through a serious game intervention: a qualitative exploration of teachers' experiences.

Teachers' wellbeing plays a critical role in their overall job satisfaction, motivation, and effectiveness in building supporting learning environments. In today's dynamic educational settings, where teachers often face numerous challenges and stressors, their wellbeing becomes increasingly vital. Consequently, there is an urgent need to innovate and develop targeted training interventions that can support specifically the wellbeing of educators. This study sought to provide an overview of the "Online Wellbeing Course - OWC," a serious game developed to enhance teachers' wellbeing, and to investigate the participants' feedback after being engaged in the OWC, utilizing a qualitative approach through focus group discussions. A total of 189 in-service teachers took part in the study. To qualitatively explore their experiences with the OWC, participants were involved in focus groups and asked to provide feedback about how and to what extent the course was beneficial for their wellbeing. Teachers reported enhancements in areas such as emotional competence, self-care strategies, social awareness, relationship skills, decision-making, and school climate. These outcomes suggested the potential of serious games as an innovative training approach for supporting teachers' wellbeing, offering valuable insights for researchers, policymakers, and educators.

Delay discounting of protected sex and compulsive sexual behavior in women withborderline personality disorder.

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a complex mental health condition characterized by emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and unstable interpersonal relationships. Some individuals with BPD regularly engage in sexual risk behavior such as unprotected sex and are at higher risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections. This study investigates discounting of condom- or dental dam-protected sex in women with BPD compared with a control group. Data were collected from 40 women diagnosed with BPD and 40 healthy controls with an average age of 27.28 years (SD = 6.14) using the Sexual Delay Discounting Task (SDT), the Borderline Symptom List-23 (BSL-23), and the Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder Scale-19 (CSBD-19). Women with BPD were less likely to use an immediately available condom or dental dam and more likely to discount safer sex than controls. Partner desirability and the perceived STI risk influenced the participants' likelihood of having protected sex. Women with BPD showed more symptoms of compulsive sexual behavior (CSB) than controls. However, sexual delay discounting was not significantly correlated with borderline symptoms or CSB in the BPD group. These findings contribute to our understanding of sexual impulsivity in women with BPD and highlight the omission and delayed availability of safety measures as important contributors to sexual risk behavior and STI risk in women. Impulsive sexual behavior, as well as the accompanying sexual health concerns, should receive special attention in the treatment of women with BPD.

The Impact of Relational Depth on Subjective Well-being in Close Relationships in the Community

Relational depth (RD)—moments of profound connection and engagement between two people—is a humanistic–existential construct, showing preliminary association with psychological growth in psychotherapy. This research investigates the impact of RD, alongside relationship satisfaction and emotional intimacy, on subjective well-being in close relationships in the community. Psychometric properties of latent variables were assessed in a stratified online sample of 497 participants in the United Kingdom (47.1% male, 52.1% female, 1% other; mean age 45.7 [ SD = 15.9]; 86.5% white, 7.8% Asian, 3.2% Black, 1.4% mixed and 1% other), followed by lagged regressions, and moderation analyses to assess the role of RD on Personal Well-being Score (PWS). Data were collected at two further time points at 3-month intervals on a stratified subset of participants ( n = 297 and n = 267). RD emerged as a significant predictor of subjective well-being in close relationships in the community and was moderated by emotional intimacy and relationship satisfaction. This study provides the first robust evidence of the relevance and impact of the humanistic–existential construct of RD on well-being beyond a psychotherapy context. This points to the value of practices that can facilitate RD experiences in the community.

Exploring the interplay of parental support, achievement emotions, and foreign language engagement: An analysis of mediation

This research explores the emotional bond between parental support (PS) and student engagement in learning English as a foreign language (EFL). To investigate the relationship between EFL learners’ perceptions of PS, EFL-related achievement emotions (specifically, enjoyment and boredom), and EFL engagement, this study was conducted based on data drawn from 527 students from grades 7 and 8 in China, comprising 280 boys and 247 girls. Besides, the moderating effect of age and prior EFL achievement on the proposed relationship was also examined. Upon adjusting for age and previous performance, structural equation modelling (SEM) and mediation analysis findings indicate a positive correlation between PS and their engagement in learning English. Also, it was found that EFL-related enjoyment and boredom mediated the linkage between PS and engagement. Furthermore, multi-group analyses were conducted to examine the invariance of the mediation model across gender and grade levels. The model (PS → achievement emotions → learning engagement) was invariant across gender and grade levels, showing that the study model applied to both male and female seventh and eighth graders. These findings illuminate the emotional relationship between parental support and their children’s EFL engagement. This study expanded the literature on EFL engagement by examining how age and grades impact the network of relationships among student-perceived parental support, emotion and EFL engagement.

Mosque Management Revitalization Through Economic Empowerment of Ummah

This study aims to enhance the role of the mosque's function as a religious institution so that it is not only used for the spiritual welfare of the community but also must be able to prosper economically. This study adopts a qualitative approach with the phenomenology study method and combines analysis techniques of reduction, display, and verification. The object of this research is the Jenderal Sudirman mosque, Surabaya, where the collection of data comes from observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. The results of the study show that the application of inputs (institutional, leadership, and goals), processes (spiritual formation, personal mental formation, capacity building, and empowerment), outputs (strengthening of character, strengthening of emotional relationships, strengthening of business and strengthening of the economy and outcomes ( spiritual ability and financial ability)) in economic empowerment is still suboptimal. Therefore, mosques need to revitalize their management to collaborate with the government, state or private universities, private institutions or institutions, and the community. Moreover, the mosque should not only be prospered by the ummah; conversely, it can also prosper the ummah.

Challenge-Hindrance Stressors and Academic Engagement Among Medical Postgraduates in China: A Moderated Mediation Model.

Improving academic engagement of medical postgraduates is crucial for enhancing the quality of learning and the development of medical education. Due to medical postgraduates face high levels of stress and rigorous demands, yet the mechanisms linking challenge-hindrance stressors to academic engagement in this context remain largely unexplored. This study aims to explore the comprehensive relationship between challenge-hindrance stressors and academic engagement among medical postgraduates in China. Data were collected from 437 medical postgraduates in China, to investigate their challenge-hindrance stressors, emotional exhaustion, learning, relaxation and academic engagement. Among these postgraduates, 40.3% were male and 59.7% were female, with the mean age of the participants being 25.71 years. Statistical procedures were conducted using Mplus 8.3, ensuring a robust analysis of the data collected. Our study showed that both challenge and hindrance stressors are significantly positively correlated with emotional exhaustion among Chinese medical postgraduates, and emotional exhaustion is negatively associated with academic engagement. Emotional exhaustion mediates the relationship between challenge-hindrance stressors and academic engagement. Learning plays a protective role, moderating the challenge stressors and emotional exhaustion relationship and its indirect effect on academic engagement. However, relaxation was not identified as a significant moderating factor in this context. Our findings not only revealed emotional exhaustion as a potential mechanism underlying the relationship between challenge-hindrance stressors and academic engagement but also validated the moderating role of learning in mitigating the adverse effects of challenge stressors on emotional exhaustion and academic engagement among Chinese medical postgraduates. This comprehensive insight into the complex dynamics between different stressors and academic engagement provides both theoretical and empirical evidence for medical universities. It underscores the importance of interventions to enhance academic engagement in stressful environments and serves as a valuable reference for the development of reasonable assessment systems. These contributions are crucial for fostering a supportive educational atmosphere and promoting the well-being of medical postgraduates.

EXPLORING BRAND LOYALTY: REVEALING THE EFFECT OF BRAND EXPERIENCE MEDIATED BY BRAND LOVE AND TRUST AMONG SMARTPHONE USERS IN MALANG CITY

Increasingly fierce competition in the smartphone industry encourages companies to design mature marketing strategies to create added value for consumers and build strong relationships with their consumers. This study aims to identify and analyze the direct and indirect effects of brand experience, brand love, brand trust, and brand loyalty on Samsung smartphone users in Malang City. Data for this was collected through a questionnaire and a sample of 140 smartphone users in Malang City. Sample selection was carried out using the purposive random sampling method. The collected data will be analyzed using SmartPLS 3.0. These results reveal that brand experience has no direct effect on brand loyalty. However, this study confirms an indirect influence of brand experience on brand loyalty through brand love and trust. The results have important implications for building strong emotional relationships and bonds between brands and consumers, and it is necessary to use cognitive and affection factors to create brand loyalty.

Our Life Is a Rollercoaster! A Qualitative Phenomenological Study Exploring the Impact of IBD on Family Members.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) significantly impacts patients and their families. To provide support, understanding the effects on the wider family is crucial. However, limited research exists on the impact of IBD on family members of adults diagnosed with IBD. This study addresses this knowledge gap. Underpinned by interpretive phenomenology, this study used in-depth, semi-structured online interviews to explore relatives' experiences. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Forty-three purposively selected interviewees comprising 17 people with IBD and 26 family members (parents, children, siblings, and partners) revealed 3 main themes: (1) "life is a rollercoaster," (2) "there have been a lot of bridges to cross along the way," and (3) "my life would be better if…" Participants highlighted that IBD has both positive and negative impacts on family members in terms of emotional well-being, relationship, roles and responsibilities, day-to-day burden, and sibling suffering. Some employed adaptive coping strategies such as creating social networks and open communication, while others relied on maladaptive coping strategies, such as avoidance and alcohol abuse. Family members expressed the need for proactive communication, information, and support from healthcare professionals. IBD affects the emotional and psychosocial well-being of family members, eliciting both adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies. Healthcare professionals need to adopt a holistic approach to managing IBD that considers the psychosocial and emotional challenges faced by individuals and their families.

외식기업 관리자의 감성리더십이 자기효능감과 고객지향성에 미치는 영향

The basic purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between the emotional leadership of restaurant business managers and its influence on self-efficacy and customer orientation. This study was limited to restaurant- related employees in the Seoul area and used convenience sampling among non-probability sampling methods. Hypothesis verification results Hypothesis 1 Among the components of emotional leadership, self-awareness ability and relationship management ability influenced self-efficacy. Hypothesis 2 Self-efficacy influenced customer orientation. Hypothesis 3 Among emotional leadership components, self-awareness ability and social awareness ability influenced customer orientation. This study is different from existing research by conducting a study on the impact of restaurant managers' emotional leadership on self-efficacy and customer orientation. Based on the analysis results, basic data on human resource management and leadership research in restaurant companies and practical measures on the management aspects of restaurant companies were presented.

Being in a meaningful context. Nature and animal-assisted activities as perceived by adults with autism.

Animal-assisted and nature-based interventions in psychosocial treatment for various groups of clients have been studied internationally. However, there is little knowledge about how young adults with autism experience participation in such types of interventions. This clinical study aimed to describe the feasibility of animal-assisted and nature-based activities on a farm as a complementary intervention for young adults with autism and social withdrawal. The participants were aged 18-30 years, diagnosed with autism and social withdrawal, with no organised occupation during the previous year. Eleven of 13 participants completed a 12-week intervention in small groups. They took part in interviews before and after, which focused on their current life situation and expectations about, and experiences of the intervention. The feasibility was described in terms of participants' characteristics, attendance, and their experiences of participating in the activity. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis. The intervention was formed in collaboration with participating supervisors, ordinary clinical staff, and a young woman with a user perspective. The level of feasibility was found to be high. The mean participation rate during the activity days was 75% and varied from 50 to 100%. The analysis of the participants' experiences from the activity generated three categories, "Being in a meaningful context", "Creating a comfort zone" and "Developing structure in everyday life", and each of these included sub-categories. The main categories revealed a dynamic process based in meaningfulness, comfort and structure in everyday life. The positive experiences of undemanding activities, emotional relationships and non-verbal communication with the horses were prominent and might facilitate the development of social interaction. However, the intervention's timeframe of 12 weeks was experienced as too short for long-lasting change.

Review of the Psychosocial Consequences of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Females

Introduction: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is underrecognised and underdiagnosed in females. As a result, females often navigate years of symptoms without appropriate support, sometimes contributing to adverse outcomes for them and for those who try to support them. This review describes the experience of females with ADHD and explores and explains the main challenges they face. Methods: We distilled the most common themes expressed in the available literature on ADHD in females and used these to develop topic headings for a literature review. We then explored therapeutic options and identified future priorities for clinical research and development. Results: The commonest issues identified and explored related to the following topics: emotional development, friendships and relationships, handling conflict, self-harm and suicidality, creativity and hyperfocus, hypersensitivity, cognition and coordination, physical, psychological, and psychiatric comorbidity, and the effects of masking. We specifically considered the implications for serious self-harm, conflict, and criminal conviction among ADHD females, and explored how these risks may be mitigated with treatment. Discussion: Females with ADHD are both under-diagnosed and undersupported, despite the serious psychosocial consequences of this condition. Given that many of these carry potentially serious complications, recognition of these issues and the provision of appropriate support and intervention is of paramount importance if those who care for them professionally and/or personally are to respond effectively. Treatment mitigates adverse outcomes for many females with ADHD.