Greek University Students Research Articles

Retrospective Accounts of Bullying Victimization at School: Associations with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms and Post-Traumatic Growth among University Students.

This retrospective study investigated the association between bullying victimization experiences at school, current post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and post-traumatic growth (PTG) among Greek university students. A sample of 400 university students aged 17 to 40years (M age = 20.33, SD = 3.18) completed self-reported scales measuring school bullying victimization experiences, post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms and post-traumatic growth. Results showed that victims of school bullying reported mild levels of PTSD and moderate feelings of post-traumatic growth. Females presented higher scores of post-traumatic growth. Duration and frequency of victimization of school bullying were found to present a significant effect on PTSD symptoms and PTG, respectively. Post-traumatic growth as a result of school-bullying victimization was related to PTSD symptom severity and this relationship was curvilinear. The findings have implications in terms of informing prospective interventions targeting the enhancement of students' sense of growth for handling peer aggression effectively.

Financial literacy and financial well-being among generation-Z university students: Evidence from Greece

ABSTRACTFinancial knowledge has become an essential skill because of the instability of global markets, asymmetric information in those markets, increasing complexity of financial products, and the rapidly increasing growth in financial technology (Fintech). This study aims to be the first among its kind to evaluate the relation between financial literacy, financial fragility, and financial well-being in parallel with identifying their determinants. For this purpose, we design and distribute a questionnaire to a random sample of 456 university students in Greece. The university students represent Generation Z that experienced the effects of a unique in duration and consequences financial crisis. We analyze the data by using cross-tabulations, chi-square tests, logistic regressions, and a marginal effect analysis. The results show that male students, students who keep expense records, or their father is highly educated are more financially literate. We also examine the dimensions of financial fragility, and the results show that financially literate students are better able to cope with an unexpected financial shock. Thus, financial literacy can be a key driver of financial well-being among Greek university students. Furthermore, we discuss the likely policy prescriptions while accounting for related behavioral aspects and technological developments.

The Use of Mixed Methods to Study Greek and Turkish Cypriot University Students' Attitudes towards the 'Other'

The aim of the current article is to discuss the importance of using mixed methods in social sciences research, by referring to Neophytou [1] methodology and results. Neophytou [1], using qualitative and quantitative research methods in the same research, arguably provided a general picture of the attitudes of Greek and Turkish Cypriot university students towards each other. The results of the quantitative research informed the development of the qualitative research. Some of the results confirmed those of previous research, whereas others where new and noteworthy. For example, the quantitative research revealed that attitudes towards the 'Other' and proximity with the 'Other' are positively correlated, something that was seen in previous research. Additionally, in both cases, Greek and Turkish Cypriot participants were more positive towards their in-groups over their out-groups, but surprisingly, Turkish Cypriots appeared less negative towards their out-group compared with Greek Cypriots. Students' concern about language and religion were obvious, though this was expressed mainly by Greek Cypriots. Turkish Cypriots appeared more eager to meet other cultures (East and West); they had heard, read and lived other cultures more than Greek Cypriot participants. The above and other findings raised new questions that were further analysed with the use of qualitative methods. The proper use of mixed methods gave a holistic view of Greek and Turkish Cypriots conceptions and misconceptions towards the 'Other Cypriot'.

Greek University Students and the Smoke-Free Law: Learning about Rights and Duties in a Community of Practice

This paper is about Greek university students’ violation of the smoking law in public venues and their understanding of rights, duties and responsibilities. Thirty-one students (21 smokers) were interviewed and asked to describe and discuss their own and other students’ behaviour in relation to smoking in closed public places in terms of rights and duties. Additional material from the printed and electronic press has been used to provide a context to the students’ statements. Participant-smokers’ systematic violations of the smoke-free law spring from a peculiar view of rights, duties and responsibilities. Both behaviour and its theoretical underpinnings are reinforced in the context of the students’ leisure time “community of practice.” All those involved, that is, cafe owners/staff, customers and law-enforcers, contribute to encouraging smoking by rewarding those who violate the law and discouraging law-abiding behaviours. The authorities in charge usually avoid monitoring public venues for transgressions, which reduces to a minimum the danger of being caught and sanctioned. Cafe owners/staff tolerate smoking, which is interpreted as informal permission. Smokers invoke both customers’ behaviour and the staff’s tolerance as a justification for their own violations of the law. The paper ends with considerations about the status of school knowledge: somewhat weak if compared to the compelling authority of the informal knowledge people acquire in everyday interactions.

How introductory macroeconomics should be taught after the global financial crisis: data from Greek university students

The aim of this paper is to review a range of suggestions made in the literature to improve economics pedagogy following the recent global financial crisis. In addition, we scrutinise responses to a survey of macroeconomics students from the University of Macedonia to determine issues in teaching economics and what the responses imply about how pedagogy may be improved. Both the literature and the survey analysis suggest the importance of teaching economics more relevant and responsive to real-world economic phenomena. However, different ways of accomplishing this objective are suggested by the two sources. The analysis of the Greek student survey also suggests the importance of addressing the issue of non-authoritative versus authoritative sources of information.

How introductory macroeconomics should be taught after the global financial crisis: data from Greek university students

How introductory macroeconomics should be taught after the global financial crisis: data from Greek university students

Relationship of Internet Addiction with Alexithymia and Childhood’s Perceived Parenting in University Students

Electronic media are integral part of everyday life and undoubtedly facilitate it on multiple levels. Internet is a useful work, knowledge (Papanikolaou, Makri, Magoulas, Chinou, Georgalas & Roussos, 2016), entertainment and information tool, but its limitless range often proves unsafe for the user. The present study, focuses on the relationship among web addiction, alexithymia and childhood’s perceived parenting while controlling for the indirect effect of depression. For the aims of the present study, 206 Greek University students attending Social, Exact Sciences and Ηumanities Departments, mean age 21, filled in a battery of measures; the Young’s Internet Addiction Test IAT (Young, 1998), the Toronto Alexithymia scale (Bagby, Parker & Taylor, 1994) the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale CES - D (Radloff, 1977), the Parental Bonding Instrument PBI of Parker, Tupling and Brown (1979) and a demographics form. Alexithymia presents significant direct association with Internet addiction, while the factors which mediate this relationship remain unclear. Findings are being discussed towards a possible review of the instruments measuring Internet addiction, as well as towards an approach of electronic media addiction from a different perspective with broader implications in therapeutic practice.

Greek host community acculturation expectations towards immigrants from Albania and Pakistan: The role of existential parameters

The idea of personal death causes a sense of uncertainty and threat against our ontological security. Terror management theory proposes that, when confronted with existential anxiety, we tend to seek safety through explicit (post-mortem expectations) and implicit/symbolic immortality (cultural worldviews). This study aims to explore the role of existential parameters in the Greek host community acculturation expectations towards immigrants from Albania and Pakistan. Participants were 208 Greek university students. Exposure to mortality salience was introduced in the experimental group by administering the Mortality Attitudes Personality Survey, while participants of the control group responded to a questionnaire about TV watching. Measures for both groups included the Host Community Acculturation Scale and the Connection of the Soul Scale. It was found that host community acculturation expectations were not affected by experimental exposure to mortality salience but they were related to post-mortem expectations. Specifically, post-mortem expectations for connection with God were associated with acculturation expectations for individualism (positively), segregation and marginalization (negatively) of immigrants from Albania, while post-mortem expectations for connection with the universe were linked to expectations for integration of this immigrant group. With regards to immigrants from Pakistan, segregation was positively related to the connection with God. The findings suggest that host community acculturation expectations of Greeks are related to existential anxiety as a trait rather than as a state.

Development and relative validity of a self-administered semi-quantitative drinks frequency questionnaire, validated in a population of university students.

Drinks can contribute to energy as well as micro- and macro-nutrient intake. Drink-specific, validated, quick and easy to administer questionnaires are needed to monitor secular trends in beverage consumption for different populations. The aim of the present cross-sectional study was to develop and validate a drink-specific questionnaire for the Greek population. A 41-item semi-quantitative drinks frequency questionnaire (DFQ) was developed and validated against 7-day weighed food records, among young Greek adults. Wilcoxon ranks tests, Kendall tau-b correlations and Bland-Altman plot were used to compare the two methods. Fifty-nine Greek University students (28 males, 31 females) completed both methods. No difference was observed in total drinks intake between the two methods. The Bland-Altman plot showed that the two methods are likely to agree concerning the total drinks intake. Wilcoxon's rank test showed no significant differences between the two methods, except for the 'whiskey/vodka/gin' intake (P < 0.001). 'Good' agreement (tau-b > 0.61) was observed for most DFQ items, including low-fat and chocolate milk, hot chocolate, Greek/espresso coffee, commercial tea, packaged fruit juices, wine, alcohol-free beer, light cola-type drinks and water (tap/bottled/sparkling). 'Low' agreement (<0.30) was noted for filtered/instant/iced coffee, freshly squeezed orange juice and some alcoholic drinks (beer/whiskey/vodka/gin). The DFQ appears to be an overall valid means of estimating the habitual intake of drinks in large-scale epidemiological surveys. The study supports the use of DFQ for assessing drinks consumption patterns and secular trends.

Greek students’ beliefs about public transport: Incentives and disincentives for environmentally friendly behavior

The current study explores possible incentives and disincentives among Greek secondary school and university students for using public transport. A 24-items questionnaire was used to elicit the beliefs of 913 students. Collected data was subjected to significance testing through t-test and Mann-Whitney U-test, depending on the significance of the Levene test for homogeneity. Perceived crowdedness, lack of comfort, longer journey times, and inconvenience were most likely to act as disincentives, whereas perceived economy of public transport and parking problems for private car use acted as incentives. Related possible environmental education opportunities are also discussed.

Self-Stigma, Public-Stigma and Attitudes towards Professional Psychological Help: Psychometric Properties of the Greek Version of Three Relevant Questionnaires

People are often reluctant to seek psychological help, mainly because they perceive help-seeking as a potential threat to their self-esteem. There is a need for cross-culturally valid instruments to assess attitudes, public- and self- stigma, which seem to play a critical role in seeking mental health treatment. We examined the factor structure, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, as well as the construct, criterion and discriminant validity of the Greek version of three questionnaires – the Attitudes towards Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale-Short Form (ATSPPH-SF; Fischer and Farina 1995); the Stigma Scale for Receiving Psychological Help (SSRPH; Komiya et al. 2000); and the Self stigma of Seeking Help Scale (SSOSH; Vogel et al. 2006) – in accordance with the original studies. EFA was used to explore the factor structure of the questionnaires in a sample of 1381 Greek University students. The resulting models were subjected to CFA to further test the latent structures. The data showed acceptable model fit for all three questionnaires. The internal consistency of the ATSPPH-SF was α = .76 and the 1-month test-retest reliability was .89 (N = 35). The internal consistency of the SSOSH and the SSRPH were α = .77 and α = .69, respectively. The discriminant and criterion validity of the SSOSH were satisfactory. Men reported higher SSRPH, SSOSH and ATSPPH scores than women. These differences remained significant after controlling for age. This study offers evidence to suggest that the Greek versions of the three questionnaires have acceptable psychometric properties. The data support the suitability and usefulness of the Greek versions of the three scales for assessing self-stigma, public-stigma and attitudes towards seeking psychological help. Compared with men, women perceived less public-stigma and self-stigma, and more favorable attitudes to seeking psychological help.

A Psychometric Analysis of the Greek Career Adapt-Abilities Scale in University Students

Based upon substantial research on career adaptability, and on specific cross-cultural validation research of the Career Adapt-abilities Scale (CAAS) (Savickas &amp;amp; Porfeli, 2012) we recruited a sample of Greek university students (Ν = 452) in order to test further the Greek form of the scale. Confirmatory Factor Analysis models showed that the four-factor structure was supported for the Greek form, comprising four dimensions: concern, control, curiosity, and confidence. The original six items per dimension structure was also maintained. Internal consistency estimates were satisfactory, and test-retest reliability reached acceptable levels. Indications of convergent validity were found as CAAS positively correlated with self-esteem. To further explore for the construct validity of the scale score differences by gender and year of studies were also examined. Overall, the observed differences were found to be in the expected direction. This validity study indicates that CAAS may be safely applied to the Greek students.

Food insecurity and Mediterranean diet adherence among Greek university students

AimTo assess Mediterranean diet (MD) adherence and food insecurity (FI) among university students in Greece. Methods and ResultsA non-probability sample of 236 students was recruited from Athens and Thessaloniki during 2016. FI was assessed with the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale and MD adherence with the MEDAS questionnaire. Mean MEDAS score of the sample was 6.4 ± 1.9, with women demonstrating greater MD adherence compared to men (p = 0.016) and Dietetics students exhibiting increased score compared to the rest (p ≤ 0.001). A low proportion of participants were food-secure (17.8%), 45.3% were severely food-insecure, 22.0% experienced moderate FI and the remaining 14.8% had low FI. Participants studying in the city they grew up exhibited lower FI compared to those studying in other cities (p = 0.009), while, additionally, a trend was noted for increased FI among students with an unemployed family member (p = 0.05). Students working night shifts had lower MD adherence and increased FI compared to the rest (p = 0.004 and p = 0.003, respectively). The same pattern was observed among participants who smoked (p = 0.003 for MD adherence and p = 0.009 for FI, respectively). Multivariate regression analyses did not reveal any connections between FI categories, waist circumference or BMI, but showed an inverse relationship between severe FI and MD adherence. ConclusionsThe majority of the surveyed university students from Greece demonstrate some degree of FI, with a great proportion being severely food-insecure. Increased FI is inversely associated with MD adherence.

Generation Z Perceptions of Quality Certification

This article explores Generation Z consumers' perceptions of quality certification. Specifically, it studies what 270 Generation Z university students perceive when they observe that fruit has a quality certification label, assessing nine statements on a Likert scale. The study was conducted through an online questionnaire with participants from Greece (n=87), Romania (n=86), and the Czech Republic (n=97). Analysis revealed that as concerns Generation Z consumers' perceptions of quality certification of fruits, the three higher overall (for all countries) mean scores were obtained for fruits having better taste (MS=4.22), being of superior quality (MS=4.20) and free of pesticides (MS=3.84). The Greek university students are the ones that have the least trust in the quality labeling and certifications. The results of the ANOVA analysis and post-hoc tests also indicated that there are significant differences among the three countries' Generation Z-ers. Implications for fruit marketing based on results are discussed.

Civic Engagement among Greek University Students: “Passive-Passive-Smokers” and Cultural Power

This paper, about non-smokers’ civic engagement (or lack thereof) in the context of public venues in Greece, aims to answer the following research questions: How do non-smokers deal with smokers when their cigarette proves annoying? To what extent do non-smokers stand up for their rights? What are the perceived constraints? Smokers’ points of view are included as part of the context in which non-smokers act. Greek university students were interviewed by the author (25) and by two students trained in interviewing (6). Respondents were asked to express judgments and feelings about the smoking “regime” in public venues. Additionally, non-smokers were asked to describe instances of smoke annoyance, report what they do about it and express judgments and feelings. Cultural analysis was applied: data were coded, and codes were grouped into categories, highlighting key assumptions and values. Though in most public venues the smoking ban is massively violated, non-smokers seem to view smoking as “normal”. For fear of being ignored, laughed at or insulted, they seldom ask smokers to refrain from smoking. Their (anticipated) emotions allow smokers to exert a kind of cultural power that prevents non-smokers from reacting. Thus, the latter become themselves vehicles of that power that oppresses them.

Religious Perceptions and the Use of Technology: Profiling the Future Teachers of Religious Education

This study analyzes the profile of Greek university students who will be teaching courses related to religion when they become practitioners at primary school and high school level, in relation to their views on technology. For this purpose, four factors were examined: religious beliefs, use of technology, attitude towards technology, and their views regarding the use of technology for the dissemination of religious beliefs. The sample comprised of 570 students studying at Departments of Theology and Primary School Education at Greek universities. The data analysis revealed that participants, in general, are not highly religious. Both believers and non-believers seem to have a positive attitude towards technology, which they are willing to use in an educational context. Furthermore, they do not believe that religion and technology contradict each other. The implications of the findings are also discussed.

A lifestyle exposure perspective of victimization through Facebook among university students. Do individual differences matter?

The purpose of the study was to investigate the associations between risky Facebook (FB) lifestyles (indiscreet FB content, time spent on FB, number of FB friends, knowledge and use of FB privacy settings), individual differences (personality, self-esteem and self-disclosure), risk factors (loneliness and depression), and victimization through FB, among 240 Greek university students. Based on the Lifestyle-exposure theory, results show that the role of an active victim should be taken into consideration when victimization through FB is studied, as the victim's behavior may enhance the chances of getting victimized. Depression was the strongest predictor followed by indiscreet FB content and self-disclosure, of victimization through FB, indicating that individual differences, risk factors and risky FB lifestyles are likely to contribute to victimization through FB. Findings are discussed in terms of FB victimization prevention and intervention strategies.

Pharmaceutical Cognitive Enhancement in Greek University Students: Differences Between Users and Non-Users in Social Cognitive Variables, Burnout, and Engagement

ABSTRACTPharmaceutical cognitive enhancement (PCE) represents the non-medical use of prescribed medication for the improvement of cognitive functioning and academic performance. Although there are some studies about PCE prevalence, it is less clear how users and non-users of PCE substances differ with respect to their positive and negative student experiences (e.g. academic burnout and engagement with studies) and in social cognitive variables that relate to decision-making and self-regulation of PCE use. The present study assessed whether students with different experiences of PCE substance use displayed differences in academic burnout, study engagement, and social cognitive variables relevant to PCE use. Three hundred and forty-seven university students (mean age (M) = 22.15 years, SD = 1.69; 54% females) completed a battery of anonymous questionnaires on academic burnout, engagement with studies, social cognitive variables relevant to PCE use, and self-reported use of PCE substances and non-prescribed nutritional supplements. Three user groups emerged, namely non-users (51.9%, n = 180), single users of non-prescribed dietary supplements (25.4%, n = 88), and dual users of both non-prescribed dietary supplements and PCE (22.8%, n = 79). Multivariate analysis of variance indicated significant differences among the three user groups in intentions, attitudes, social norms, and anticipated regret toward PCE use. No significant differences were observed with respect to academic burnout and work engagement. The findings show that university students may engage in PCE use independent of their student experiences. Rather, a chemically assisted performance enhancement mindset seems to differentiate users from non-users of PCE substances.

Smoking Habits among Greek University Students after the Financial Crisis

Background:University students worldwide seem to have increased rates of smoking, alcohol abuse, binge drinking episodes and harmful consumption trends, raising a serious public health issue. The aim of the present study was to investigate university students’ smoking habits and exposure to secondary smoke amid a financial crisis.Methods:The present descriptive, correlational analysis was conducted at the University of Peloponnese.Results:The average age of the sample (n=203) was 24.9 years (±7.6 years) with 36.0% of the participants (n=73) being postgraduate students. Some 51.2% (n=104) of the participants said they didn’t smoke and 46.3% (n=94, p=0.003) reported no secondary smoke exposure during the past week at home. The majority of the remainder initiated smoking at age 16-17 (48.5%, n=48), and 64.6% (n=42) said the financial crisis did not lead them to change their smoking habits.Conclusions:The majority of students support smoking ban laws in enclosed public spaces, but also their replies highlighted poor implementation on behalf of the state and the authorities. The financial crisis did not appear to have affected student smoking habits.

The Phenomenon of State Violence in the Student Community: The Views of Greek University Students

&lt;p&gt;By its nature, the modern nation - state obtains the monopoly of the legitimate authority and the institutionalized violence. The relations of the authority with its citizens are determined by specific regulations and rules, which are supposed to reflect the “social contract”. However, the use of state violence in modern societies is being increased during the periods of economic and political crisis. Thus, in Greece during the years of crisis the use of violence by the state mechanisms is an everyday phenomenon. Our research analyzing the attitude of Greek university students towards state violence in Greece. Regarding methodology, two methodological tools were used, meeting the requirements of the research: a questionnaire with closed questions, in order to quantitatively investigate the attitudes of students regarding various issues, with a 5/point scale Likert. Moreover, a quantitative content analysis was used, investigating a basically qualitative research material, which was derived from the responses to open-ended questions, concerning the perceptions of the university students towards the topic of state violence.&lt;/p&gt;