Emotional Relief Research Articles

Traditional massage “Peuseul” for pregnant women in Kuta Village and its impact on pregnant women's well-being: A qualitative study

“Peusuel” is a traditional massage practice performed on pregnant women in Tatar Sunda, believed to have various benefits for maternal and fetal health. This study aims to explore how Peusuel is implemented, understand the experiences of pregnant women who undergo Peusuel, and evaluate its impact on their physical and emotional well-being. The observed variables include physical discomfort levels (such as back pain, swelling, and fatigue), emotional states (including anxiety and mood changes), and social connectedness. The key parameters measured were frequency and duration of the Peusuel sessions and the involvement of community members in the process. Using qualitative research methods, particularly in-depth interviews and participant observations, data were collected from pregnant women who have experienced Peusuel, as well as from traditional practitioners and family members involved. Data were analyzed through thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns and insights. This analysis revealed that Peusuel not only helps reduce physical discomfort during pregnancy but also contributes to emotional relief by alleviating anxiety and stress. Additionally, it strengthens social and cultural ties between pregnant women and their communities, creating a sense of belonging and support. This study provides important insights into the preservation and development of the traditional practice of Peusuel in the context of modern health, while also highlighting its potential integration as a complementary approach in maternal care.

Research on the restorative effects and perception of privacy driven activities in Chinese classical gardens-Case studies of three Suzhou gardens.

The need for privacy, recognized as a fundamental psychological requirement, has garnered increasing attention as researchers explore the restorative effects of privacy driven activities (PDA). This study employs quantitative experiments and analyses to assess the restorative benefits of PDA within three classical Chinese gardens, demonstrating their superiority over conventional leisure activities in promoting emotional recovery, reducing stress, and restoring attention. The experiment quantifies the restorative effects of PDA versus standard leisure activities using a classic restorative scale and physiological indicators reflecting emotional relief. Regression analyses then identify five key factors influencing the occurrence of PDA, derived from preferred locations and behavioral tendencies observed in the three gardens. Further analyses reveal significant differences in the impacts of these five environmental feature dimensions on the evaluation indicators of "preference for privacy-oriented activities" and "restorative effects". Among these dimensions, "spatial scale and accessibility" has the greatest impact on the "preference for privacy-oriented environments", while "spatial atmosphere" and "activity facilities" have the most significant impact on "restorative effects". The findings suggest that behavioral activities mediate the relationship between environmental factors and restorative effects, highlighting the potential of PDA as a mediating variable for a comprehensive investigation into the pathways and mechanisms influencing restorative environments in research and design.

Sensing Sociality: Disruptions of Social Life When Living With Chemosensory Dysfunctions After COVID-19.

Taste and smell are of direct importance in most social interactions. Radical disruptions in these senses can, therefore, substantially disrupt sociality. This paper focuses on the experiences of a particular type of disruption: persistent chemosensory dysfunctions after COVID-19. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 30 patients undergoing treatment for chemosensory dysfunctions and analyzed the ways in which their experiences have influenced social relations and activities, particularly regarding food and eating. The findings reveal that these dysfunctions have made the participants markedly aware that food and eating are pivotal to full participation in social life. As is smell, both surrounding smells and the perception of one's own smell, with dysfunctions leading to several social consequences. Such problems are handled through both avoidance behavior and adaptations. While adaptations facilitate interactions, they come at the cost of feeling a burden to others or not fully appreciating an event (e.g., a shared meal). Social support is of great importance, ranging from minor practical assistance, such as a friend checking if the milk is sour, to the profound emotional relief felt from empathic treatment and recognition that the problems are real. Here, healthcare professionals can play a vital role, even in the (perceived) absence of clinical effectiveness of the treatment. The experiences expressed are partially in line with other manifestations of Long COVID and with chemosensory dysfunctions due to other illnesses, but only partially, since this is a patient group with needs and experiences that are unique, in that sociality is so strongly affected solely by disruptions in sensory abilities.

Unraveling the closet: Exploring reflective decluttering and its implications for long-term sufficient clothing consumption

The growing trend of decluttering has spurred many consumers to streamline their wardrobes by removing excess garments. However, garment decluttering has not received much attention in the academic research. This study employs a mixed methods approach to explore how reflective garment decluttering can be related to sufficient clothing consumption by investigating 1) consumers’ motivations to declutter and the methods used, 2) the influence of reflective decluttering on consumers' perceptions of their clothing items and consumption habits, and 3) the impact of reflective decluttering on long-term clothing acquisition and strategies for maintaining sufficient clothing consumption. Qualitative analysis reveals that motivations for decluttering include reducing garment over-ownership, creating space, and finding emotional relief. Participants gained insights into the value of their garments, their reasons for possession, and their consumption habits, helping them establish future consumption goals. Quantitative findings from a longitudinal survey add to the qualitative insights by showing that reflective decluttering was associated with reduced clothing acquisition, although a slight rebound occurred after six months. The qualitative findings also reveal strategies including conscious shopping and extending garment life cycles that reduce consumption levels and promote sufficiency-oriented practices over time.

Exploring the relationship between solitude capacity, technology readiness, and the efficacy of robotic companions in emotional relief for young adults living alone

Exploring the relationship between solitude capacity, technology readiness, and the efficacy of robotic companions in emotional relief for young adults living alone

Canine companionship as a resilience factor: a quantitative inquiry into the impact of pet ownership on burnout mitigation among radiologists and radiographers.

The demanding nature of diagnostic imaging, coupled with the increasing workload and exposure to high-stress scenarios, underscores the pressing concern of burnout among radiologists and radiographers in modern healthcare settings. The objective was to investigate the interplay between family characteristics, workplace characteristics, pet ownership, and the occurrence of burnout. An online, quantitative, cross-sectional study with a non-random, purposive sampling method was carried out among Hungarian radiologists and radiographers from 1st of September to 1st of November 2022. We examined the results of 406 responses predominantly from females (79.8%, n = 324), including 70.7% radiographers (n = 287). Cronbach's alpha values for depersonalization (DP), emotional exhaustion (EE), and personal accomplishment (PA) were 0.74, 0.88, and 0.85, respectively. Average burnout scores were 8.35 (SD = 6.62) for DP, 26.26 (SD = 12.74) for EE, and 32.86 (SD = 9.52) for PA. DP demonstrated a balanced distribution (low: 35.7%, moderate: 27.3%, high: 36.9%). Conversely, EE and PA skewed towards high levels, with 52.5% (n = 213) and 49.5% (n = 201). Significant associations were found between gender and DP (p = 0.006), age (31-40 years) and DP/PA (p < 0.001; p = 0.004), absence of children and all burnout dimensions (p < 0.05), and pet ownership (p = 0.004) with lower EE, particularly for dog owners (p = 0.009). Occupation lacked a significant effect on burnout dimensions (p > 0.05). Employees without a second job had higher EE (p = 0.002) and lower PA (p = 0.008). Increasing healthcare experience correlated with decreased DP values (p = 0.001), while working over 40 h weekly negatively impacted all burnout dimensions (p ≤ 0.05). 15.5% (n = 63) exhibited signs of high burnout, with the age group 31-40 demonstrating the highest proportion (25.4%, n = 27) and significant associations with marital status, absence of children, pet ownership, private healthcare, 10-19 years in healthcare, and working over 40 h weekly. There is a pressing need for evidence-based strategies to alleviate burnout among radiologists and radiographers. There is a growing importance of recognizing the role of pets, especially dogs, as valuable companions for emotional support and stress relief. Implementing pet-friendly policies or therapy programs can contribute to a positive and supportive workplace, potentially mitigating burnout among essential frontline healthcare professionals.

Development and evaluation of a collaborative reflection-based debriefing strategy for simulation-based education using virtual simulations in practical nursing: A randomized controlled trial

AimTo develop and validate a debriefing strategy for simulation-based education in practical nursing that fosters collaborative reflection and enhances nursing competencies. The study assesses the effects on knowledge, problem-solving skills, self-confidence in clinical decision-making, reflective thinking and student satisfaction. BackgroundAdvancements in medical technology and the evolving healthcare landscape have increased nurses’ expectations, prompting nursing education to emphasize practical skills in addition to theoretical knowledge. The shortage of clinical practice wards, increased nursing school enrollments and a focus on patient rights have expanded traditional simulation-based education to include virtual clinical scenarios. MethodA randomized controlled trial was conducted with 66 fourth-year nursing students (34 in the experimental group and 32 in the control group) at Dongseo University, Pusan, Republic of Korea (IRB No. 2021-023-HR-02). The collaborative reflection-based debriefing comprised four phases: pre-debriefing, emotional relief, exploration of alternatives and expansion of thinking. The experimental group had three intervention sessions; the control group underwent individual debriefing after completing a structured reflective questionnaire. Outcomes were assessed post-intervention and at four and eight weeks. Data were analyzed using independent t-tests and repeated-measures analysis of variance (mixed model). ResultsThe experimental group exhibited significantly greater improvements in knowledge, problem-solving skills, self-confidence in clinical decision-making, reflective thinking and satisfaction than the control group. ConclusionCollaborative reflection-based debriefing in simulation-based education can improve the nursing competency required in clinical settings.

Clinical Translation and Implementation of a Bioartificial Pancreas Therapy: A Qualitative Study Exploring the Perspectives of People With Type 1 Diabetes.

The development of a hybrid beta-cell replacement approach, referred to as a personalized, transplantable bioartificial pancreas (BAP), holds promise to treat type 1 diabetes (T1D). This interview study aimed to explore patients' expectations, needs, concerns, and considerations when considering to undergo a BAP transplantation. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 24 participants diagnosed with T1D. Data collection stopped once data saturation was reached. Audio recordings of the interviews were transcribed verbatim. The interviews were independently analyzed by 2 researchers. A qualitative content analysis using an inductive approach was used. Three main themes emerged as follow: (1) hoped-for benefits, (2) concerns and decision-making considerations, and (3) procedural aspects. First, the participants expected benefits across medical, psychological, and social domains. Over these 3 domains, 9 subthemes were identified, including improved clinical outcomes, a cure for diabetes, more headspace, emotional relief, a shift in responsibility, protection of privacy, improved flexibility in daily life, less visible diseases, and improved relationships with others. Second, concerns and considerations about undergoing a BAP transplant comprised adverse events, the functionality of the BAP, the surgery procedure, the biological materials used, the transplant location, and the intrusiveness associated with follow-up care. Finally, procedural considerations included equitable access, patient prioritization, and trust and control. Incorporating insights from this study into the clinical development and implementation of the BAP is crucial to ensure alignment of the product and procedures with the needs and expectations of people with T1D.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Reducing Emotional Eating in Emerging Adult Women

Emerging adulthood is a transitional period from adolescence to adulthood characterized by instability in roles and relationships as individuals navigate the demands of higher education, employment, intimate relationships, and self-identity formation. This transition often triggers various negative emotions, such as anxiety, distress, and self-doubt, particularly in women, making them more susceptible to engaging in emotional eating as a means of seeking temporary comfort or distraction. Emotional eating is a mechanism for temporary emotional relief, but feelings of regret or guilt often follow it. Emotion regulation skills are crucial when experiencing negative emotions. This study aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), an intervention designed to enhance emotion regulation skills, in reducing the occurrence of emotional eating among emerging adult women. The study employed a single case experiment design with two 21-year-old female participants experiencing emotional eating. The Emotional Eating Scale (EES) and emotional eating self-recording were used as measurement tools. Each participant received DBT over 7 sessions, each lasting 60-90 minutes. The results indicated that DBT reduced the frequency of emotional eating in both participants, with the effect persisting up to 14 days post-intervention. These findings suggest that DBT is an effective intervention for reducing emotional eating in emerging adult women.

Social sharing of emotion during the collective crisis of COVID-19.

We collected data from two sources - social media and online questionnaires - to investigate the emotional consequences of social sharing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Study 1 tracked and analysed sentiment of tweets posted over the course of a month in the crisis period and found that users who tweeted more frequently about COVID-19 expressed decreasing negative sentiment and increasing positive sentiment over time. Granger causality tests confirmed that this association was better interpreted in the forward direction (sharing levels predicting sentiment) than in the reverse direction (sentiment predicting sharing levels). Study 2 focused on immediate emotional consequences of sharing COVID-19-related events and found that participants reported improved overall affect about an event after sharing it, especially when that event was a personal experience rather than a news story. Reported positive feelings about both kinds of events were also significantly higher after sharing. Taken together, both studies suggested that social sharing is linked with emotional relief and may therefore help people to deal with their negative experiences during a persistent collective crisis.

Utilizing the Metaverse to Provide Innovative Psychosocial Support for Pediatric, Adolescent, and Young Adult Patients with Rare Cancer.

This study investigated the potential of the metaverse in providing psychological support for pediatric and AYA cancer patients, with a focus on those with rare cancers. The research involved ten cancer patients and survivors from four distinct regions in Japan, who participated in metaverse sessions using customizable avatars, facilitating interactions across geographical and temporal barriers. Surveys and qualitative feedback were collected to assess the psychosocial impact of the intervention. The results demonstrated that the metaverse enabled patients to connect with peers, share experiences, and receive emotional support. The anonymity provided by avatars helped reduce appearance-related anxiety and stigma associated with cancer treatment. A case study of a 19-year-old male with spinal Ewing's sarcoma highlighted the profound emotional relief fostered by metaverse interactions. The findings suggest that integrating virtual spaces into healthcare models can effectively address the unique needs of pediatric and AYA cancer patients, offering a transformative approach to delivering psychosocial support and fostering a global patient community. This innovative intervention has the potential to revolutionize patient care in the digital age.

The Power of Psyche, Self-berating As a Form of Self-restoration

Background: Self-berating, often seen as a negative behavior, is paradoxically used by some individuals as a means of self-restoration. This phenomenon involves a range of behaviors where individuals inflict harm upon themselves, both mentally and physically, as a response to guilt, societal pressures, and a need for self-improvement. This study explores the underlying motivations, mechanisms, and outcomes of self-berating as a form of self-restoration, aiming to understand its role in personal growth and mental health. Methods and Material: A comprehensive literature review was conducted, analyzing reports, studies, and articles related to self-harm, self-berating, and self-restoration. Data was collected from various psychological, sociological, and medical sources, focusing on both qualitative and quantitative analyses. Personal observations and interviews with individuals who engage in self-berating behaviors provided additional insights. The study also examined the role of societal and cultural influences on these behaviors. Results: The findings indicate that self-berating is often driven by a complex interplay of guilt, societal expectations, and personal desire for improvement. Individuals who engage in self-berating report temporary relief from emotional distress and a sense of control over their lives. However, the long-term effects are typically negative, leading to decreased self-esteem, chronic mental health issues, and in severe cases, physical harm. The study also found significant cultural and religious influences that shape the perception and acceptance of self-berating behaviors. Conclusion: While self-berating can provide temporary emotional relief and a perceived sense of control, it is ultimately a detrimental practice with long-lasting negative effects on mental health. Understanding the motivations behind self-berating and its impact is crucial for developing effective interventions. Future research should focus on alternative, healthier methods of self-restoration and coping mechanisms, and on the role of societal change in reducing the prevalence of self-harm behaviors.

Validation of the psychoactive substance refusal Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (PSRSEQ) in adolescent case-clients of social workers in Hong Kong

BackgroundSelf-efficacy is a key concept in various behavioral theories. Refusal self-efficacy is important in understanding issues related to psychoactive substance use. To facilitate related research, this study translated and validated the Chinese version of the 14-item Psychoactive Substance Refusal Self-efficacy Questionnaire (PSRSEQ) among adolescents. There is a debate about whether such a refusal self-efficacy scale should be unidimensional or multidimensional. MethodsA survey was conducted among 601 adolescent case-clients of social workers in Hong Kong from July 2021 to June 2022. Various psychometric properties were examined. ResultsThe confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) supported the original 3-factor structure of the PSRSEQ (emotional relief, opportunistic, and social facilitation refusal self-efficacy), which showed satisfactory psychometric properties (internal consistency, convergent validity in terms of significant negative correlations with the intention of psychoactive substance use in the next year and psychoactive substance use behavior in the past six months, and the absence of floor effect) but ceiling effect was obvious. Notably, unacceptable discriminant validity of one subscale and strong correlations among the three subscales were observed. In another set of analyses using two split-half subsamples, the exploratory factor analysis identified a 1-factor 14-item structure, which was confirmed by CFA and showed satisfactory psychometric properties. ConclusionsThe 1-factor PSRSEQ, instead of the one having a 3-factor structure, was preferred and recommended to assess psychoactive substance refusal self-efficacy among Chinese adolescents. It is warranted to validate the scale in other adolescent and age groups in future studies.

Awareness and implementation confidence of free higher education program under UNIFAST among HEIs in Sulu, Philippines

Accessible higher education is a critical determinant of a nation's competitiveness in the global knowledge economy. By investing in human capital through free tertiary education, countries can cultivate a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation, attracting foreign investment, and remain to be competitive on the international stage. This quantitative study analyzed the perceptions of students (n=200) about the implementation of Unified Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UNIFAST) in Sulu, Philippines. The students were purposively sampled from four (4) universities in the province. A standardized Likert-scale was used to elicit the perceptions of students based on three (3) implementation metric (i) institutions’ awareness of UNIFAST, (ii) application and disbursement process, and (iii) evaluation of UNIFAST outcomes. Findings indicated that the higher education institutions (HEIs) in Sulu often implemented the provisions of the law. Additionally, inferential analysis revealed that student’s demographic profile (i.e., gender, parental education attainment, family income) could influence their general evaluation of UNIFAST implementation. Notably, this could be attributed to their perception of the program as a substantial source of assistance in pursuing higher education. Likewise, the assessment of UNIFAST implementation by students may be influenced by emotional elements, such as feelings of relief and contentment. The program may receive higher ratings from students because of the emotional relief it offers, especially for individuals who are experiencing financial limitations. Future studies might consider developing a more rigorous analysis relating human emotions scaling up their overall evaluation of the UNIFAST program.

New Horizons for Human Solace: Universal Basic Income Making a Difference in People’s Well-Being

ABSTRACT Considering contemporary crises and challenges, I hereby discuss the Universal Basic Income (UBI) as a citizenship prerogative aimed at promoting new ways of social organization and living. The analysis primarily focuses on understanding how UBI could impact people’s quality of life, subjectivities and perceptions. The empirical material used in the analysis includes some statistical data, but mainly ethnographic testimonies from participants in UBI-related programmes or experiments. Access to this data was made possible through secondary research of various worldwide cases related to this policy between 1970 and 2022, aiming to establish a solid foundation for characterizing the effects of the programmes and the experiences of recipients. In this research process, I assumed that documentary secondary sources also provide fertile ground for anthropological approaches and analyses. From this empirical ground it became possible to understand the structural changes brought about by UBI in people’s living conditions, subjectively experienced through emotional relief, safety, trust, optimism and joy, constituting embodied subjectivities of well-being.

Digital Resurrection: Challenging the Boundary between Life and Death with Artificial Intelligence

The advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) poses challenges in the field of bioethics, especially concerning issues related to life and death. AI has permeated areas such as health and research, generating ethical dilemmas and questions about privacy, decision-making, and access to technology. Life and death have been recurring human concerns, particularly in connection with depression. AI has created systems like Thanabots or Deadbots, which digitally recreate deceased individuals and allow interactions with them. These systems rely on information generated by AI users during their lifetime, raising ethical and emotional questions about the authenticity and purpose of these recreations. AI acts as a mediator between life, death, and the human being, enabling a new form of communication with the deceased. However, this raises ethical issues such as informed consent from users and the limits of digital recreation. Companies offer services like the Digital Resurrection of deceased individuals and the generation of hyper-realistic avatars. Still, concerns arise about the authenticity of these representations and their long-term emotional impact. Interaction with Thanabots may alter perceptions of death and finitude, leading to a potential “postmortal society” where death is no longer viewed as a definitive end. Nevertheless, this raises questions about the value of life and the authenticity of human experiences. AI becomes a bridge between the living and the dead, partially replacing rituals and mystical beliefs. As technology advances, there will be a need for greater transparency in interacting with AI systems and ethical reflections on the role of these technologies in shaping perceptions of life and death. Ultimately, the question arises of whether we should allow the dead to rest in peace and how to balance the pursuit of emotional relief with authenticity and respect for the memory of the deceased. A deeper ethical consideration is needed on how AI alters traditional notions of life, death, and communication in contemporary society. In this research, an interdisciplinary approach was utilized to conduct a comprehensive systematic review of the recent academic literature, followed by a detailed analysis of two key texts. Central ideas were extracted, and recurring themes were identified. Finally, a reflective analysis of the findings was conducted, yielding significant conclusions and recommendations for future research.

Exploring arts-health ecologies in the very remote Barkly Region of Australia.

This article explores links between arts, health, and wellbeing for diverse First Nations and non-Indigenous peoples living in the very remote Barkly Region of the Northern Territory in Australia. The article stems from a major 3-year study of the Barkly arts sector conducted in partnership with Barkly Regional Arts and Regional Development Australia Northern Territory. Key findings relate to an arts-health ecology evident in the region, the interdependence between artists' own health and their arts activity, the value of arts spaces as places of safety and refuge, and the potential of the arts to promote cultural and intercultural healing and development. We discuss these findings in the context of relevant literature and make suggestions for future arts-health and wellbeing related research, policy and practice in rural and remote contexts. This study employed an ecological mixed-methods research design, including quantitative and qualitative survey and interview data collection as well as collaborative, data-driven thematic analysis. The ecological approach was used to map a variety of creative practices through a broad range of art forms. Commercial, amateur and subsidised art and creative practices were included in this study and represented the multicultural population of the Barkly Region (both First Nations and non-Indigenous peoples). Arts and creativity in the region were recognized as a complex ecology that saw individuals, businesses, organisations and government working in different ways to sustain culture and contribute to social and economic development. Research participants from diverse cultural backgrounds recognised health and wellbeing benefits of arts and creative activity. Arts participation and engagement were reported to have intrinsic individual health and wellbeing effects such as mental health and mindfulness, emotional regulation, enjoyment, and relief of physical and emotional pain and stress alongside promoting spiritual connection to self, culture and community. The study indicates that the arts can also shape powerful determinants of health and wellbeing such as employment, poverty, racism, social inclusion, and natural and built environments. Barkly arts-health ecology featured extensive involvement from health and human service and arts organisations, which provided a strong foundation for inclusive, healing and holistic regional development. This study has outlined how arts and creative activity contribute to holistic regional development in the Barkly desert region, an area with a high percentage of First Nations peoples. Arts and creative activity were reported to have intrinsic health and wellbeing effects for individuals, which included mental health and mindfulness, emotional regulation, enjoyment, and relief of physical and emotional pain and stress as well as promoting spiritual connection to self, others and environment. Arts activities were also seen to shape powerful determinants of health and wellbeing such as employment, poverty, racism, social inclusion, and natural and built environments.

Changes in the choice motive and emotional perception of chocolates in response to stress

Although chocolates are often chosen for sensory pleasure, they are also selected to enhance mood and relieve emotional stress, or potentially chosen for its perceived health benefits if stress adversely affects physical well-being. This study aimed to investigate whether emotional stress influenced the motivations behind chocolate selection, subsequent liking, and emotional response. Participants were divided into a control group (n = 76) and a group with induced acute stress (n = 74). Stimuli were presented as dark chocolate packaging, each evoking sensory appeal, health, and emotional stress relief. Participants chose one stimulus from three options that they were most inclined to consume and evaluated the overall liking and emotional attributes of the stimuli. They also rated the overall liking and emotional attributes of three types of chocolates, each identical but paired with distinct stimuli. Their food attitudes were also assessed. Stress did not change the choice of stimuli, indicating that stress did not influence the motivation for chocolate selection. Instead, the choice of stimuli aligned with participants’ food attitudes; those favoring sensory appeal and emotional stress relief prioritized pleasure in their usual food choices. Stress tended to increase liking and chocolate-associated positive emotions with sensory appeal, as opposed to others, to immediately alleviate negative emotions. The most robust motivation to consume chocolates was sensory pleasure, irrespective of stress, because of a preestablished association between sensory pleasure and mood enhancement.

Going Beyond the Screen - Exploring Para-social Relationships with Anime Characters amongst the Anime Community

The purpose of this study was to explore the determinants and impacts of parasocial relationships (PSR) with anime characters within the anime community. Guided by a qualitative methodology, the research aimed to uncover the psychological mechanisms at play and the socio-emotional influences exerted by these one-sided relationships. Findings indicate that parasocial interactions serve as a platform for identification, coping, and escapism, providing emotional regulation, stress relief, and immersive experiences. These relationships significantly affect interpersonal dynamics, emotional well-being, and community belonging. They are pivotal in fostering social bonds, facilitating self-discovery, and reinforcing cultural identification. The study concludes that parasocial relationships are integral to individual and collective experiences, shaping the social fabric of the anime community. This research contributes to media psychology by highlighting the complex role of media characters in personal and social contexts, suggesting a nuanced understanding of the interplay between media consumption and social interaction.

The Effect of Being Vaccinated and National Vaccination Rates on Individuals' Cognitions, Emotions, and Economic Expectations: Evidence from Israel.

Israel was the first nation to establish a vaccination program during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, its citizens could look to no other country to help them judge its influence. People's predictions of their safety should depend on whether they were vaccinated, whereas their predictions regarding the COVID-19 pandemic should be based on the degree of progress of the vaccination program. We expected people to understand that the program would improve their safety by reducing the number of infected people around them. An original panel survey was conducted covering the pandemic's first year. Respondents reported their vaccination status, emotions, evaluations of their safety, and predictions about the spread of COVID-19 and the Israeli gross domestic product. Estimates of fixed-effects models using the survey data suggest that being vaccinated affected people's cognitions about their own safety and their emotions but not their expectations regarding the situation in Israel as a whole. In contrast, the vaccination rate in Israel affected only the respondents' expectations about the spread of COVID-19, their own income, and Israel's gross domestic product. Being vaccinated is important for people's personal emotional and cognitive relief during a pandemic. A high vaccination rate improves people's economic expectations, which is important to the recovery of economic activity.