Positive Psychology Framework Research Articles

Exploring Enjoyment and Flow among Monolingual and Bilingual Learners of English

Emotions play a prominent role in foreign language learning, with positive emotions, such as enjoyment, gaining significant attention in recent years. Enjoyment has been identified as a strong predictor of flow experiences as learners progress to more advanced levels in their language studies (Dewaele and MacIntyre 2022). This study aims to explore the factors that trigger enjoyment, which also serve as components of flow as originally defined by Csikszentmihályi (1975). Adopting a qualitative approach within the framework of positive psychology and flow theory, we empirically examined the antecedent conditions of flow in an online sample of 216 language learners from three different settings: two monolingual contexts (Hungary and Poland) and one bilingual context (Transylvania, Romania). We investigated whether there are differences in the experiences of enjoyment and flow between monolingual and bilingual students. Data were collected through online surveys where participants recounted memorable and enjoyable English language learning experiences. Using content analysis, we explored the close connection between enjoyment and flow in learners’ narratives. We described patterns of flow components, which further emphasize the role of enjoyment in language learning. The findings, illustrated by participants’ reports, highlight factors that align with flow states, including a sense of complete involvement in tasks, intense focus, joy, loss of sense of time/place, and spontaneous connection with peers and teachers. The results suggest that while enhanced enjoyment and flow are significant in foreign language learning, they are not necessarily linked to being a bilingual language learner.

Validating the foreign language enjoyment scale for young learners: An exploratory structural equation modeling approach

Foreign language enjoyment (FLE) has garnered scholarly attention within the framework of positive psychology. However, FLE-related studies have predominantly focused on adult learners, with little exploration into FLE among young language learners (YLLs). Consequently, little is known about the factorial structure of FLE and its sources for YLLs. This study aims to develop and validate the foreign language enjoyment scale (FLES) designed for YLLs by comparing four models: confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), bifactor CFA, ESEM, and bifactor ESEM, based on Alamer's (2022) guidelines for ESEM. 510 Japanese elementary ESL learners in the 5th and 6th grades participated in this study. The analysis of the four models revealed that the bifactor ESEM outperformed the others in terms of model fit and comparative indices, identifying a three-factor model of FLE, which is consistent with prior studies on adult learners. The findings from this study not only contribute to further understanding of FLE within a less-studied population but also advance methodological approaches for scale validation in applied linguistics.

Living one’s calling independently: the role of online labor platforms for different dynamics of calling enactment

PurposeThis study investigates the diverse career experiences of gig workers by looking at a sample of gig workers that are living a calling through online labor platforms (OLPs). Drawing from the systems informed positive psychology (SIPP) framework we examine the experiences and dynamics through which individuals can enact their calling through OLPs.Design/methodology/approachWe conducted 34 semi-structured interviews with gig workers who are able to live their calling through OLPs. The interviews were analyzed by using a grounded theory approach.FindingsOur findings reveal that gig workers sense of living a calling is rooted in the experience of being and feeling independent. Furthermore, we identify three dynamics of calling enactment through OLPs which are: (1) engaging in personal development, (2) constructing social fit and (3) stabilizing finances.Originality/valueWhile many studies document the precarious nature of the gig economy, our paper offers rich insight into positive career experiences of gig workers. Through taking a systemic view on individuals’ ability to live a calling, we illustrate how individuals interact with different features of OLPs to enact their calling. Finally, we suggest that besides direct dynamics of calling enactment there are also indirect dynamics of calling enactment that play an important role in individuals’ ability to live a calling in the gig economy.

Enhancing thriving during COVID-19: The role of spirituality in fostering self-esteem among sojourners

The COVID-19 pandemic was particularly impactful on sojourners, absent from their families and unable to return home. This study explores how spirituality may impact self-esteem and how this may affect thriving during such a challenging time. Specifically, adopting a positive psychology framework, we expected higher/lower levels of spirituality would result in higher/lower levels of daily self-esteem, which in turn would result in higher/lower levels of daily thriving. We measured these daily fluctuations over a 9-day period by using a diary study. Results supported our hypothesized model. These findings extend our understanding of the role of spirituality during COVID-19 pandemic.

Application of Positive Psychology in Digital Interventions for Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Controlled Trials.

The rising prevalence of mental health issues in children, adolescents, and young adults has become an escalating public health issue, impacting approximately 10%-20% of young people on a global scale. Positive psychology interventions (PPIs) can act as powerful mental health promotion tools to reach wide-ranging audiences that might otherwise be challenging to access. This increased access would enable prevention of mental disorders and promotion of widespread well-being by enhancing self-efficacy, thereby supporting the achievement of tangible objectives. We aimed to conduct a comprehensive synthesis of all randomized controlled trials and controlled trials involving children, adolescents, and young adults, encompassing both clinical and nonclinical populations, to comprehensively evaluate the effectiveness of digital PPIs in this age group. After a literature search in 9 electronic databases until January 12, 2023, and gray literature until April 2023, we carried out a systematic review of 35 articles, of which 18 (51%) provided data for the meta-analysis. We included randomized controlled trials and controlled trials mainly based on web-based, digital, or smartphone-based interventions using a positive psychology framework as the main component. Studies included participants with a mean age of <35 years. Outcomes of PPIs were classified into indicators of well-being (compassion, life satisfaction, optimism, happiness, resilience, emotion regulation and emotion awareness, hope, mindfulness, purpose, quality of life, gratitude, empathy, forgiveness, motivation, and kindness) and ill-being (depression, anxiety, stress, loneliness, and burnout). PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines were used for the selection of studies and data extraction. Quality assessment was performed following the CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) guidelines. For well-being outcomes, meta-analytic results showed that PPIs augmented the feeling of purpose, gratitude, and hope (Hedges g=0.555), compassion (Hedges g=0.447), positive coping behaviors (Hedges g=0.421), body image-related outcomes (Hedges g=0.238), and positive mindset predisposition (Hedges g=0.304). For ill-being outcomes, PPIs reduced cognitive biases (Hedges g=-0.637), negative emotions and mood (Hedges g=-0.369), and stress levels (Hedges g=-0.342). Of note, larger effect sizes were found when a waiting list control group was considered versus a digital control group. A funnel plot showed no publication bias. Meta-regression analyses showed that PPIs tended to show a larger effect size on well-being outcomes in studies including young adults, whereas no specific effect was found for ill-being outcomes. Revised evidence suggests that PPIs benefit young people's well-being and mitigate ill-being symptoms. Digital platforms offer a unique way to address their mental health challenges, although not without limitations. Future research should explore how they work for the needs of the young population and further examine what specific PPIs or combination of interventions is most beneficial with respect to other digital control groups. PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CRD42023420092; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=420092.

PERMA Profiler: Adaptation to Sinhala

Recent history has seen an increased interest in wellbeing. This interest has been observed in clinical settings as well as at the level of state policies and at corporate levels. Following this interest, many models of wellbeing have been developed. The PERMA model of wellbeing was a more recent development forwarded by Martin Seligman, which measures the five core elements of wellbeing that are referred to as PERMA. The acronym stands for positive emotion, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment. This model is based on the conceptual framework of positive psychology. PERMA profiler is a psychometric measure of wellbeing, which is based on the PERMA model. This tool has been gaining recognition as a reliable and valid tool for the measurement of wellbeing, especially in occupational settings. The current study aimed to adapt the PERMA profiler to Sinhala, which is the language used by the majority of Sri Lankans. The tool was translated by two psychologists and was synthesised to one single translated version by a panel of three experts, and it was evaluated for clarity and relevance by another panel of experts. The pre-testing was done in a sample of 15 individuals and the back translation was carried out by a professional translator. The adaptation was completed in consultation with the original authors of the scale. Results indicated that the Sinhalese adaptation of the PERMA profiler was deemed to be well-suited to be used with Sinhalese speaking populations with an average education.

A positive psychology framework for understanding teenage driving behaviors: Examining the role of life purpose and mindfulness

Objective The overwhelming majority of teenage driving research in the US is framed around characteristics associated with risk, rather than factors that promote safety. In this study, we examine the role of purpose in life and mindfulness as two factors that may be associated with safer driving behaviors. Methods Using survey responses from a nationally representative sample of teenagers (aged 16–19) we used structural equation modeling to construct three latent variables – sense of purpose, mindfulness, and risky driving—and evaluate the associations between these latent variables among teenage drivers. Risky driving was based on measures of self-reported distracted driving, drunk driving, driving under the influence of marijuana and other drugs, inconsistent seatbelt use, and riding with an impaired driver. Results We found that sense of purpose and mindfulness were associated with fewer risky driving behaviors. We also identified mindfulness as a mediator between sense of purpose and risky driving. Conclusions Purpose in life and mindfulness are associated with fewer risky driving behaviors among US teenagers. Driver education and training could include components related to purpose and mindfulness, in order to promote safer driving behaviors in this population.

INFLUENCE OF EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE ON TEENAGERS' CONTENTMENT: INVESTIGATING THE MEDIATING INFLUENCE OF SELF-ESTEEM

The study investigates relationship among the self-esteem, emotional intelligence (EI) and life satisfaction among adolescents within the framework of positive psychology. Historically, research has often focused on human flaws, neglecting the strengths and positive aspects of psychology. Adolescence is a critical developmental stage marked by profound changes, making it crucial to understand how factors of the study variables during this period. Study sample n=157 from Government schools and colleges in Faisalabad city participated in the study. For measuring the study variables, the Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire Adolescents Short Form, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and Satisfaction with Life Scale used for measuring the study variables, respectively. Statistical analyses revealed a noteworthy positive relationship between the study variables among adolescents. Conversely, self-esteem did not mediate this relationship. These findings contribute to understanding the complex dynamics between emotional intelligence, self-esteem and life satisfaction in adolescents, emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence for promoting well-being during adolescence. The study suggests implications for future research, including the need for larger and more varied illustrations, longitudinal studies to discover causal relationships and the expansion of interventions to improve emotional intelligence in adolescents for improved well-being. This research contributes to the growing body of existing researches on positive psychology and adolescent development, highlighting the significance of emotional intelligence in fostering life satisfaction.

Association between psychological resilience and body mass index in a community-based population: A cross-sectional study.

While earlier studies have focused on the relationship between stress and obesity, there was a gap in understanding the potential impact of positive psychological factors, such as resilience, on obesity. By investigating the role of psychological resilience with obesity, this study aimed to address this gap and tackle obesity through a positive psychological framework. Participants consisted of 2445 community residents from Shenzhen, China, with a mean age of 41.09±13.72years, comprising 846 males and 1599 females. Psychological resilience was measured using the Brief Resilience Scale; gender, age, marital status, education level, smoking status, alcohol consumption, frequency of physical exercise, and perceived stress were considered potential confounding factors. The relationship between psychological resilience and body mass index (BMI) was examined through multiple linear regression and logistic regression analyses. The participants had an average psychological resilience score of 3.46 (standard deviation [SD]=0.62) and an average BMI of 22.59 (SD=3.35), with 104 individuals (4.3%) identified with obesity. In the fully adjusted multiple linear regression model, a higher psychological resilience score was associated with a higher BMI (β=0.507, 95% CI:0.283, 0.731). In the logistic regression model, higher psychological resilience scores were linked to increased obesity risk, with a more significant association observed among males (odds ratio [OR]=2.169, 95% CI:1.155, 4.073), while psychological resilience acted as a protective factor against underweight among females (OR=0.528, 95% CI:0.376, 0.816). The study demonstrated a significant link between higher psychological resilience and elevated BMI, emphasizing the complex relationship between psychological fortitude and weight management. Interventions targeting socioeconomic status, education, lifestyle habits, and physiological well-being might offer a promising strategy for enhancing psychological resilience and promoting healthier weight. Emphasizing self-efficacy and coping skills at the individual level could contribute to balanced weight and comprehensive health outcomes, addressing the global challenge of obesity.

Positive psychology and the search for happiness at work

This study aims to develop an analysis model and psychosocial and cultural interventions that specifically adapt and extend Martin Seligman's proposed framework of happiness in the workplace. Focusing on the work context in Colombia, this research poses the question: "How can a model adjusted to the cultural and social context of Colombia enhance understanding and practices of happiness at work, compared to Seligman's model?". In terms of methodology, this research employs comprehensive document analysis, selecting sources based on their relevance to the positive psychology framework and its application in the Colombian work environment. Selection criteria include the novelty of the research, relevance to the local work context, and contributions to the understanding of happiness at work. The analysis process incorporates a qualitative approach to identify common themes and specific nuances related to work subjectivity and mental health. The research results indicate that the adjusted analysis model and interventions provide new insights into the dynamics of happiness at work in Colombia, highlighting the importance of cultural and contextual factors in designing and implementing interventions. Specifically, this model reveals that approaches considering local social and cultural values as well as specific economic challenges can be more effective in promoting positive work subjectivity and mental health. Implications suggest that adapting the workplace happiness model to include specific cultural and social considerations can enhance the effectiveness of psychosocial and cultural interventions. This research lays the groundwork for developing more focused and relevant strategies to improve worker well-being in Colombia and similar contexts.

IThrive Games: Championing Responsible Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship in Games

This case aims to study the growth, evolution, and social innovation of iThrive Games, a socially minded initiative that aims to create meaningful opportunities using technology for teens to enhance the knowledge, mindsets, and skills they need to thrive through development and across the continuum of mental disorder to wellness. iThrive's focus has been on creating “meaningful games”—that is, games that promote health and well-being of teen players. Founded in 2014 by Dorothy Batten, President of DN Batten Foundation, the organization's mission was to collaborate with game developers, partner with teens across the game development cycle (ideation to testing), and provide resources to foster teen thriving through gameplay. To do so, the organization took a unique social entrepreneurial approach. Drawing on a positive psychology framework and building the brand among key stakeholders including game developers, researchers, funders, youth, educators, and parents, the organization orchestrated a community dedicated to advancing the meaningful games field, and in doing so, have widespread impact.

Exploring positive psychological factor on safety behavior of Chinese aircraft maintenance technicians: The interplay of workplace well-being, work engagement, and leadership

The safety behaviors of aircraft maintenance technicians (AMTs) are crucial in ensuring aviation safety. It is, therefore, vital to explore the factors associated with AMT safety behaviors and the underlying mechanisms. This study, drawing on self-determination theory and the broaden-and-build theory, explores the relationship between workplace well-being (WWB) and AMT safety behaviors within the framework of positive psychology. A sample of 593 Chinese AMTs (561 males and 32 females; average age = 27.28, SD = 3.73) anonymously completed questionnaires on demographic variables, WWB, work engagement, safety-specific transformational leadership (SSTL), and safety behavior. We utilized SPSS 26.0 and the PROCESS macro (models 4 and 7), along with Amos 24.0, to conduct an empirical test of a moderated mediation model elucidating the relationship between WWB and safety behavior. The findings reveal a positive association between WWB and AMT safety behaviors, with work engagement acting as a partial mediator. Furthermore, SSTL was found to negatively moderate the positive association between WWB and work engagement, as well as the association between WWB and safety behavior through work engagement. Notably, the positive association between WWB and work engagement, and thus safety behavior, becomes more pronounced under lower SSTL conditions. In conclusion, this study makes theoretical contributions and offers practical insights for improving aircraft maintenance safety management practices.

Parental burnout, coparenting, and internalized sexual stigma during COVID-19 in parents with minoritized sexual identities.

The COVID-19 pandemic acted as a model of stressful situations for parents insofar as it led to unprecedented difficulties in childcare and caregiving, resulting in increased levels of parental burnout, worldwide. To date, research on parental burnout has mainly involved heterosexual parents. However, parents with minoritized sexual identities face partially different stressors, including internalized sexual stigma, and they also have partially different resources, including a more egalitarian division of childcare labor. Between April 2020 and February 2021, 32 lesbian mother families by donor insemination (n = 64 lesbian mothers) and 28 gay father families by gestational surrogacy (n = 56 gay fathers), all with a child aged 6-10 years and living in Italy, were recruited. In each family, both parents self-rated their parental burnout, coparenting, and internalized sexual stigma. Multilevel modeling indicated that lesbian mothers reported greater parental burnout than gay fathers. Moreover, lower coparenting quality was associated with greater parental burnout. Finally, internalized sexual stigma had a significant both direct and interactive effect on parental burnout, with higher levels of internalized sexual stigma resulting in greater parental burnout, especially in gay fathers. Considering the sexual minority stress theory and the risks and resources balance theory, the results indicate the importance of preventing and treating parental burnout in lesbian and gay parents by focusing on their internalized sexual stigma and coparenting relationship. Also, incorporating the positive psychology framework in future research would help identify in these parents the resources deriving from their minoritized sexual identities to deal with parental burnout. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Harmonizing Aesthetics and Psychological Well-being: An Indepth Exploration of the Integrative Impact of Dysport in Cosmetic Procedures

This research delves into the intricate interplay between aesthetic intelligence, aesthetic sensitivity, and psychological well-being within the framework of positive psychology, with a particular emphasis on the integrative impact of Dysport in cosmetic procedures. By recognizing the significant influence of environmental aesthetics on individual health and well-being, this study seeks to illuminate the relationship between aesthetic intelligence and psychological well-being while considering the role of Dysport in cosmetic procedures. Employing a correlational research design, structural equation modeling was utilized as the methodological approach. The research cohort comprised all students enrolled at Bu-Ali Sina University during the academic year 2018-2019. Employing cluster sampling, 384 students were selected based on the recommended sample size for structural equation modeling. The instruments included the Ryff Well-being Scale, the Aesthetic Intelligence Scale developed by Rashid et al., and Abdulsalami's Aesthetic Sensitivity Scale. Findings revealed significant direct impacts of both aesthetic intelligence and aesthetic sensitivity on psychological well-being. Moreover, aesthetic intelligence demonstrated a direct and significant effect on aesthetic sensitivity. Exploration of indirect relationships indicated that aesthetic intelligence, mediated by aesthetic sensitivity, significantly influenced psychological well-being. These findings underscore the importance of individuals' awareness and appreciation of environmental beauty, including the role of Dysport in cosmetic procedures, in positively contributing to psychological well-being.

Meaning making and fostering radical hope: applying positive psychology to eco-anxiety research in youth

The consequences of human activity on climate change are increasingly apparent. For example, they are causing ecological degradation and affecting human and animal health. Rightly so, it is considered as the most important challenge of this century. Researchers in psychology and mental health developed an interest in the direct and indirect effects of climate and ecological change on people's psychological wellbeing, which is referred to as a concept described as eco-anxiety or eco-distress. It is worth emphasizing that climate issues are taking a larger place in the school curriculum for youth in elementary, middle and high schools. Youth are thus increasingly aware of the major threat and understandably report legitimate concerns and worries. For some youth, eco-anxiety leads to greater involvement and activism, as can be seen by the international movement set out and led by youth activist Greta Thunberg. However, eco-anxiety can also lead to feelings of hopelessness and disengagement. Despite contributing the least to the climate and ecological crises, youth will be most affected by the impacts, and will carry the burden of the climate crisis throughout their lives. Researchers, educators and mental health professionals must therefore find ways to foster youth psychosocial wellbeing and resilience alongside ensuring that their voices are heard. To this end, it is vital that young people feel able to openly discuss climate change and associated issues alongside the distressing thoughts and feelings they engender. This can be supported by using various psychological approaches to develop effective interventions. Researchers and clinicians in child mental health could gain from drawing from research in positive psychology to develop such interventions. In this review and commentary, we will outline how eco-anxiety and child psychological wellbeing can be framed within a positive psychology framework, including the relevance of self-determined motivation. Insights from interventions based on positive psychology including exercises to foster hope, forgiveness and meaning making will also be discussed. We will highlight how such interventions can be adapted as powerful tools to foster child wellbeing and cope with their eco-anxiety.

Harmonizing Aesthetics and Psychological Well-being: An Indepth Exploration of the Integrative Impact of Dysport in Cosmetic Procedures

This research endeavors to delve into the intricate interplay between aesthetic intelligence, aesthetic sensitivity, and psychological well-being within the framework of positive psychology. Recognizing the profound influence of environmental aesthetics on individuals' health and well-being, this study aims to illuminate the relationship between aesthetic intelligence and psychological well-being, with aesthetic sensitivity acting as a mediating factor. Employing a correlational research design, structural equation modeling was applied as the methodological approach. The research cohort comprised all students enrolled at Bu-Ali Sina University during the academic year 2018-2019. Employing cluster sampling, 384 students were selected based on the recommended sample size for structural equation modeling. The instruments employed in this study included the Ryff Wellbeing Scale (2), the Aesthetic Intelligence Scale developed by Rashid et al. (2017), and Abdulsalami's (2013) Aesthetic Sensitivity Scale. The findings derived from structural equations analysis revealed that both aesthetic intelligence and aesthetic sensitivity exerted a significant direct impact on psychological well-being. Furthermore, aesthetic intelligence demonstrated a direct and significant effect on aesthetic sensitivity. The exploration of indirect relationships indicated that aesthetic intelligence, acting through the mediation of aesthetic sensitivity, significantly influenced psychological well-being. Considering these outcomes, it can be inferred that individuals' awareness and appreciation of environmental beauty positively contribute to their psychological well-being. Consequently, the development of educational programs aimed at enhancing aesthetic capabilities in individuals holds the potential to elevate overall well-being.

BAMBOO for Refugees—A Culturally Sensitive Positive Psychology Intervention: A Protocol for a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

This protocol investigates the efficacy of a mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) program named BAMBOO. The goal of this program is to increase resilience and mental well-being among refugees. In recent years, there has been an increasing number of refugees fleeing to Europe and applying for permanent residence. In the Netherlands, a wide variety of programs that focus on increasing mental well-being among refugees is available. BAMBOO is a strengths-based intervention, which consists of five weekly two-hour group-based sessions. It is based on the theoretical framework of positive psychology and adapted according to the guidelines for the implementation of culturally sensitive cognitive behavioral therapy among refugees. The program does not focus on the treatment of trauma, mental disorders, or underlying problems, but aims to increase factors such as personal strengths, positive emotions, positive relations, and self-esteem. The first version of the program (BAMBOO 1.0) has been conducted at over 50 asylum centers in the Netherlands since January 2020. In the time period from September 2020 to September 2022, qualitative and quantitative data were collected among BAMBOO trainers and participants and the program was adapted, leading to a revised version (BAMBOO 2.0). A single-blinded parallel pilot randomized controlled trial, with an intervention group and awaiting list control group, with 34 participants per group will be used to test the program’s efficacy. Outcomes include resilience, satisfaction with life, positive and negative affect, and self-esteem. The study will be conducted among adult Arabic speaking refugees, residing at an asylum center in the Netherlands and/ or in a Dutch municipality, Baseline, post-intervention, and five-week follow-up assessments will be conducted. This paper describes the protocol for the evaluation of a novel and culturally adapted program. The study will shed light on the efficacy of a culturally sensitive strengths-based intervention as a preventive approach to increase refugee well-being. ERB Tilburg University, TSB RP623.

The relationship between pregnancy stress and mental health of the pregnant women: the bidirectional chain mediation roles of mindfulness and peace of mind.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between pregnancy stress and mental health of the pregnant women, employing a positive psychology perspective. Specifically, the study sought to explore how the two positive psychological qualities of mindfulness and peace of mind may serve as potential mediators in the association between pregnancy stress and mental health of the pregnant women. Seven hundreds and thirteen pregnant women seeking care at the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University were included in this study. The participants completed a self-report demographic questionnaire, as well as several validated scales including the Pregnancy Pressure Scale (PPS), Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), Peace of Mind Scale (PoMS), and Chinese Health Questionnaire (CHQ). The Amos 23.0 system was utilized to construct structural equation models. A total of 713 participants had an average age of 29.46 ± 4.81 years and an average gestational age of 24.26 ± 22.66 weeks. Out of the pregnant women, 163 (22.9%) experienced moderate or higher levels of pregnancy stress (PPS > 1), while 212 (29.7%) exhibited mental distress (CHQ > 3). Pregnancy stress exhibited a positive association with mental distress, while displaying negative associations with mindfulness and peace of mind. Mindfulness and peace of mind were negatively associated with mental distress. By employing structural equation modeling, the analysis revealed that mindfulness and peace of mind acted as partial mediators in the relationship between pregnancy stress and mental health. Furthermore, the identified models exhibited bidirectional sequential mediating pathways, suggesting that the pathways of mindfulness ↔ peace of mind mitigated the harmful influence of pregnancy stress on the mental health of pregnant women. This study adds to the current body of knowledge by investigating the relationships among mindfulness, peace of mind, pregnancy stress, and mental health in pregnant women. From a positive psychology framework, it provides valuable understanding of the intricate dynamics between pregnancy stress and protective factors of mental health. Consequently, interventions aimed at bolstering positive psychological qualities in pregnant women should prioritize the cultivation of mindfulness to foster peace of mind, or alternatively, the cultivation of peace of mind to enhance mindfulness, ultimately leading to improved mental health outcomes.

A Humane Social Learning-Informed Metaverse: Cultivating Positive Technology Experiences in Digital Learning Environments.

Online environments, such as metaverses, provide distinct social environments for people to engage in complex, cognitive, and multidirectional learning and meaning-making experiences. These engaging and influential environments highlight important factors associated with the Social Learning Theory (a process through which external settings influence behavior in specific environments). According to this theory, environments provide a space for youth to engage in reciprocal interactions of interpersonal, behavioral, and environmental cues. Online environments designed by social media companies have been scrutinized, given their dependence on algorithms (artificial intelligence systems). Research has revealed the effects of systems that use machine learning to subversively maintain engagement on their platforms for as long as possible. Given the constant changes in socializing environments, younger generational cohorts need to be adequately prepared for systems that determine what type of content they are exposed to, and shape the timing, frequency, and agentic influencers they engage with. Therefore, this article proposes a necessity to expand our understanding about social learning and current technology design principles. This article demonstrates the need for a paradigm shift toward exploring an innovative construct referred to as the digital learning environment. We examine existing issues in the design of digital spaces, provide a positive developmental psychology framework that informs further research, and propose solutions for researchers, educators, policymakers, and caregivers as they navigate healthy technology use and predominant mental health issues in the 21st century.

Corrigendum: A new complex mental health test in a positive psychological framework

Corrigendum: A new complex mental health test in a positive psychological framework