Interpersonal Relationships Research Articles

VALUATION OF ETHNIC-CULTURAL IDENTITY: COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF EXPERIENCE REPORTS ON VISITS TO QUILOMBOS IN THE STATE OF PARÁ AND RIO DE JANEIRO

The article "Valorization of Ethnic-Cultural Identity: comparative analysis of experience reports during visits to quilombos in the states of Pará and Rio de Janeiro" analyzes visits to quilombola communities, comparing the realities of two states. In Pará, the quilombola communities of Perpétuo Socorro do Tauerá, São Raimundo do Taperú and Maripí face a lack of cultural appreciation, especially among the younger generations, who tend to reject or be unaware of their Afro-descendant heritage. On the other hand, the quilombo of São José da Serra, in Rio de Janeiro, shows a strong connection with Afro-Brazilian culture and identity, valuing traditions and memory. The research addresses the importance of educational actions in the quilombola communities of Pará to rescue and strengthen ethnic-cultural identity, proposing measures such as teacher training and the inclusion of practical activities based on Afro-Brazilian history and culture, following the National Curricular Guidelines. The technical visits carried out by pedagogy students allowed a detailed analysis of the cultural dynamics and challenges faced, highlighting the need for integration between school and community to rescue these traditions. It is suggested that strengthening relationships between younger and older generations, through discussion groups and cultural practices, could help reverse the process of denying Afro-Brazilian identity. The valorization of emotional intelligence in interpersonal relationships within the school is also highlighted as fundamental to the success of these initiatives, promoting a positive and respectful organizational climate.

Translating and validating the Ghosting Questionnaire into Arabic: results from classical test theory and item response theory analyses

BackgroundGhosting refers to the sudden cessation of communication in interpersonal relationships. Ghosting has gained attention as a phenomenon commonly encountered in the context of digital communication. Earlier studies on ghosting mostly focused on Western societies while, in Arab societies, research into this practice has yet to be initiated. The current study aimed to address this gap by translating and validating the commonly used Ghosting Questionnaire (GHOST) into Arabic.MethodsThe translation process involved forward and back translation, expert review, and pilot testing to ensure linguistic and cultural equivalence. A convenience sample of 607 participants from Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, and Tunisia completed the Arabic version of the GHOST. Statistical analyses, including reliability testing and confirmatory factor analysis, were conducted to assess the psychometric properties of the instrument.ResultsThe Arabic version of the GHOST demonstrated high reliability. The Cronbach’s alpha (α = 0.87) and McDonald’s omega (ω = 0.87) coefficients indicated strong internal consistency. Test-retest reliability coefficients confirmed the stability of the responses over time (ICC 0.89, p < 0.001). CFA supported a single-factor structure in alignment with the conceptual framework of the original English version.ConclusionsThe successful translation and validation of the GHOST into Arabic provide researchers with a reliable tool for investigating ghosting behavior within Arab societies. Future research endeavors can build upon these findings to explore the psychological implications of ghosting. Researchers can now also develop culturally sensitive understanding of online dating and related practices in Arab communities.

Ethical leadership and pro-social behavior in the hospitality industry: Does social norms matter?

Ethical leadership (EL) plays a pivotal role in shaping organizational culture and influencing employees' behaviors, especially in service-oriented sectors like hospitality, where interpersonal interactions are fundamental. This study investigates the mediating role of social norms (SN) in the relationship between EL and pro-social behavior (PSB) within Saudi Arabian hospitality enterprises. This research posits that SN serve as a critical conduit through which EL affects PSB among employees. A quantitative approach using self-administered questionnaire, gathering data from Saudi Arabian hotel employees to measure perceptions of EL, SN, and PSB. Structural equation modeling using Smart-PLS was used to analyze the data and test the proposed mediation model. The findings indicate that EL significantly enhances PSB and SN. Furthermore, SN partially mediate the relationship between EL and PSB. These results underscore the importance of fostering a culture of EL to promote PSBs in the hospitality industry, thereby enhancing overall service quality and employee satisfaction. Several theoretical and practical implications have been discussed for hospitality managers and researchers.

Forgiveness and Reconciliation Rituals Practiced in North and Central Gondar Zones of Ethiopia

This study explored forgiveness and reconciliation rituals which are practiced in Central and North Gondar Zones of Ethiopia. Most people in these zones live in rural areas, and they practice a patriarchal family system. The study used qualitative interviews to collect data from 10 adults experienced in indigenous conflict resolution practices. The findings of the study identified common types of interpersonal and intergroup conflicts. Identified forgiveness and reconciliation rituals were performed by male adults. These rituals almost always consisted of three phases: pre-forgiveness, forgiveness, and post-forgiveness. The conflict intermediaries always suggested that warring parties create new social relationships such as inter-marriaige to sustain peace. It was evident that these rituals did not observe gender or age equity because female and youth were not included in the processes. This study highlights the implications of peacebuilding, gender equality, and inclusion policy and practices that these rituals hold.

The analysis of the causes of depression and anxiety among young people and the corresponding solution

While the past few decades have witnessed modernization, they have also seen an epidemic of depression and anxiety among young people. From the sociocultural perspective, the reasons include a change in social values from singular values to pluralism and a shift in social culture from collectivism to individualism, so young people’s self-identity is threatened, and they tend to see others as competitors rather than teammates. Besides, social stigma and disdain for mental illness exacerbate mental problems among young people. This paper suggests that developing quality education, strengthening interpersonal relationships, and de-stigmatizing mental illness may be the solution.

Effects of Attachment and Emotional Feedback on Intimate Relationships

Using information from recent psychology studies, the review examines how attachment types and emotional feedback affect interpersonal relationships, particularly in intimate relationships with adults. Attachment theory, which is deeply rooted in the foundational studies conducted by the renowned psychologist John Bowlby, posits that individuals’ behaviors and emotions in their interactions with others within the context of relationships are significantly influenced and molded by the initial interactions they have with their primary caregivers during the early stages of their lives. This study looks at how happiness in relationships, emotional control, and conflict resolution are affected by secure, anxious, and avoidant attachment styles. Furthermore, partners’ spoken and nonverbal emotional input greatly influences the character of the relationship. While negative reactions may foster insecurity, positive replies often reinforce good attachment practices. Several research outcomes are included in this article to shed light on how attachment and emotional feedback interact. In closing, the study indicates directions for further investigation, particularly with regard to digital communication and diversity.

The Geometric Scale of an Urban Space—Neuro-perceptual Limitations for Face-to-Face Driver Behavior

For the last century, the roadway design paradigm has been grounded in the physics of point masses, adjusted for human limitations. However, this is inadequate to assure pedestrian safety in complete streets where vehicle kinematics no longer control. Instead, social and psychological factors manage behavior. Unfortunately, the appropriate design critical psychological principles have yet to be elucidated. We posit that interpersonal perception governs drivers’ behavior, attentiveness and speed in streets. This is bounded by previously delineated human neurological and perceptual propensities. Using these perceptual limitations as postulates in a geometric style proof, we derive the person perception panorama (PPP): a window of interactivity around the moving driver that is continuously monitored for human presence, roughly 60 to 90 feet wide. In this area interpersonal interaction is implicit, functional, and has an impact on driver behavior. Validating evidence, additional governing principles, and an initial speed prediction formula are also included.

Suicide in young and middle-aged individuals: lessons from a psychosocial autopsy study

Abstract Background Sociodemographic characteristics of suicides are available from Statistics Netherlands. To improve suicide prevention, it is not only necessary to know who dies but also why people die. A psychosocial autopsy was conducted in the Netherlands to investigate differences in psychosocial characteristics and precipitating factors of suicides of young (&amp;lt;30) and middle-aged (40-70) suicide decedents. Methods Data were collected from bereaved individuals. A questionnaire detailed sociodemographic and psychosocial characteristics of the decedents. We reconstructed the suicidal process in the months preceding the suicide in an interview. Findings from the questionnaire and interview were integrated. An independent expert committee formulated recommendations for suicide prevention. Results 162 suicides were investigated. Young decedents showed high levels of substance use and academic pressure. Young adults with developmental disorders were vulnerable in the transition to adulthood. Young males reached out less to support and care. By contrast, suicides of young females were distinguished by comorbidity of psychiatric disorders, frequent suicidal behaviours, high levels of care use, wait lists and a loss of (treatment) perspective, harmful social media use and bullying. Work and financial problems were common in middle-aged decedents. Physical disability and pain were frequently mentioned for middle-aged females. Suicide in middle-aged males was characterized by financial distress, interpersonal conflicts such as divorce, high levels of binge drinking and addiction. Conclusions Our data provide a topology of the needs of individuals at risk for suicide. Suicide prevention strategies can be improved by better transition support and explicit suicide monitoring in young adults with a developmental disorder, active waitlist policies in mental healthcare, and improved collaboration between debt counsellors and mental care professionals based on shared accountability. Key messages • Bereaved individuals elucidated a wide range of psychosocial problems in suicide decedents. • Suicide prevention should adhere to a needs-based approach.

Bravery and Friendship in Children's Literature through the Lens of Van Dijk's Critical Discourse Analysis

This research utilizes Van Dijk's (1977) Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) framework to investigate the themes of bravery and friendship in the children's stories "The Brave Little Squirrel" and "Milo's Magical Map." The primary objective is to examine how discourse influences social identities, values, and interpersonal relationships through narrative structures and character dynamics. Using qualitative methods, the study conducts a detailed textual analysis focusing on thematic elements, character dialogues, and the moral lessons delineated in both stories. The findings indicate that these narratives portray bravery not solely as a heroic quality but as an expression of aiding others, thereby nurturing a sense of community and companionship. Additionally, the analysis uncovers the underlying social values presented in these narratives, underscoring the significance of empathy and collaboration for young readers. This research enhances the understanding of children’s literature as a crucial factor in shaping social and moral growth, offering valuable insights for educators and parents regarding themes that can effectively instill positive values in children.

Impact of Weight Loss on Olfaction in Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery.

Olfaction plays a vital role in regulating nutrition, avoiding potentially dangerous situations, and modulating behavior along with interpersonal relationships. Many common disorders can have a negative impact on olfaction; one of these is obesity. Bariatric surgery induces weight loss, and current evidence suggests that it can cause improvement in olfaction. However, more information is needed regarding this topic. One hundred eighty-five patients who underwent bariatric surgery and 184 age- and gender-matched control group who did not undergo any surgery have completed a questionnaire including items from the validated Self-Reported Mini Olfactory Questionnaire. Final analysis was based on 369 patients. There was a statistically significant difference between patients before and after surgery (p < 0.05). However, there was a statistically significant difference between people who underwent surgery with < 50% excess body weight loss and the control group but none with those > 50% excess body weight loss. No significant differences were found when comparing people with and without chronic illnesses, head and neck surgery, anti-allergy drug use, and COVID-19. Before surgery, there were statistically significant differences between patients with allergic rhinitis and polyps and those without, but no significant differences were observed after surgery. Patients had significantly improved olfactory scores post-surgery compared to before surgery. Patients who had > 50% excess body weight loss after surgery showed olfactory function as good as the general population represented by the control group. However, those with < 50% excess body weight loss had significantly worse olfactory scores compared to the general population.

Gender stereotypes in Ukrainian healthcare: results of the mixed methods study

Abstract Background A good interpersonal patient-provider relationship is crucial for quality care, still patients frequently perceive interface as discriminatory and marginalizing, reinforcing societal gender roles and hindering healthcare quality. This becomes even more critical for healthcare systems with limited resources and prolonged emergencies, such as Ukraine during the COVID-19 pandemic and full-scale war. We explore gender stereotypes of healthcare workers in Ukraine. Methods This mixed-methods study was conducted in August-September 2022, and included: 1)16 online focus group discussions with 93 healthcare workers; 2)survey conducted face-to-face with 1,529 physicians and 502 nurses; modified Nijmegen Gender Awareness in Medicine Scale questionnaire was used. Qualitative data was transcribed and inductively analyzed. Survey results were analyzed in SPSS using descriptive statistics and correlation analyses. Results Healthcare workers perceived women patients as ‘more demanding’ and ‘less accommodating’ compared to men. Thus, 64% of healthcare workers perceived female patients as overusing health services; 44%-believed women have higher expectations than male patients; 61%-thought they expected excessive empathy; and 58%-noticed women veering off-topic during consultations. Also, respondents who supported the belief that male patients better understand doctors’ recommendations were more likely to also support the statement that female patients, compared to male patients, more often have higher expectations from doctors (rs = 0.4, p &amp;lt; 0.001). With age prevalence of gender stereotypes increased among healthcare workers; there were no significant differences by sex of healthcare workers, healthcare facility type, position, or geographical location. Conclusions It is crucial to develop and implement gender-sensitive approaches in Ukrainian health facilities, rooted in comprehensive training and continuous professional development targeting prevalent gender stereotypes. Key messages • Gender stereotypes are prevalent among healthcare workers in Ukraine. • Gender-sensitive approaches and comprehensive training should target prevalent gender stereotypes.

Social Cognitive Processes in Children With Specific Learning Disorder: The Importance of Language

Children with specific learning disorder (SLD) have poor academic skills, but they also experience difficulties with their peers, including an inability to recognize interpersonal conflict, infer emotion, and resolve social conflict. In addition, children with SLD are known to have problems with language. The importance of language to social cognition is well-established in research with children with typical and atypical development. Thus, we review literature that investigates language and social cognition in children with SLD compared with their peers. We also explore the link between language and social cognition in children with typical and atypical language development. Review of this literature suggests that the language deficits associated with SLD put children with SLD at a risk for deficits in social cognitive skill. The literature also points toward a critical need for early identification of SLD and research investigating social perspective taking in individuals with SLD across the lifespan. Last, we propose that clinicians should assess language before diagnosing and implementing intervention for the academic and social difficulties that children and adolescents with SLD experience.

Football coach's strategy in preventing aggressive behavior in adolescents

This study aims to review the types of strategies that football coaches employ to prevent aggressive behavior in adolescents. Using the systematic literature review, data were obtained from articles searched through Google Scholar. The search focused on those published in Scopus-indexed journals published between 2019 and 2024. The keywords involved "Strategy And Soccer Coaches And Prevention And Aggressive Behavior And Teenagers". The search generated 15,400 articles as initial results. To be included in the review, inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. The articles were screened again using these criteria, and 19 articles that fit the theme and met the inclusion requirements were yielded. The process of the article selection in this study followed the PRISMA guidelines. The main findings of this study emphasized several factors that play a key role in creating a supportive environment for young athletes. The first factor was emotional education. Teaching athletes to recognize and manage their emotions helped football coaches reduce athletes’ aggressive reactions, especially during the pressure of competition. In addition, open and consistent communication between soccer coaches and athletes was reported to reinforce positive interpersonal relationships, which in turn lowered levels of aggressiveness on the field. Finally, building a team culture that emphasizes the values of cooperation and mutual respect has also been proven effective in preventing aggressive behavior. Therefore, soccer coaches have a great responsibility not only to develop athletes' technical skills but also to shape their character through an integrative and sustainable approach.

Resource-rational contractualism: A triple theory of moral cognition.

It is widely agreed upon that morality guides people with conflicting interests towards agreements of mutual benefit. We therefore might expect numerous proposals for organizing human moral cognition around the logic of bargaining, negotiation, and agreement. Yet, while "contractualist" ideas play an important role in moral philosophy, they are starkly underrepresented in the field of moral psychology. From a contractualist perspective, ideal moral judgments are those that would be agreed to by rational bargaining agents-an idea with wide-spread support in philosophy, psychology, economics, biology, and cultural evolution. As a practical matter, however, investing time and effort in negotiating every interpersonal interaction is unfeasible. Instead, we propose, people use abstractions and heuristics to efficiently identify mutually beneficial arrangements. We argue that many well-studied elements of our moral minds, such as reasoning about others' utilities ("consequentialist" reasoning) or evaluating intrinsic ethical properties of certain actions ("deontological" reasoning), can be naturally understood as resource-rational approximations of a contractualist ideal. Moreover, this view explains the flexibility of our moral minds-how our moral rules and standards get created, updated and overridden and how we deal with novel cases we have never seen before. Thus, the apparently fragmentary nature of our moral psychology-commonly described in terms of systems in conflict-can be largely unified around the principle of finding mutually beneficial agreements under resource constraint. Our resulting "triple theory" of moral cognition naturally integrates contractualist, consequentialist and deontological concerns.

A thematic analysis of the subjective experiences of mothers with borderline personality disorder who completed Mother-Infant Dialectical Behaviour Therapy: a 3-year follow-up

BackgroundPerinatal borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a common condition in perinatal mental health settings with few specialised treatment options, and little is known about the enduring effects of available treatment programs. This study explored the follow-up experiences of women with BPD after completing Mother-Infant Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (MI-DBT).MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted with eight women who had completed MI-DBT 3 years prior. Reflexive Thematic Analysis was used to analyse the interviews to gain a richer understanding of these mothers’ lived experience.ResultsA thematic analysis generated four main themes which indicated that participants found that MI-DBT improved their ability to hold their child in mind, be aware of their own internal state and behaviours, manage their own emotional reactions and stay calm, and manage interpersonal interactions within adult relationships. Mothers with perinatal borderline personality disorder also highlighted the need for ongoing support in the context of parenting.ConclusionsThis study is the first of its kind to explore the longer-term experiences of mothers following such an intervention, giving voice to this vulnerable group of women. The findings of this study provide a greater understanding of the complex challenges experienced as part of parenting for mothers with borderline personality disorder, and provides both insight into mothers’ experiences of life after MI-DBT and the impact of the program on their lives. The clinical and research implications of the study’s findings are discussed.Trial registrationThis research was retrospectively registered on 07/03/2024, ACTRN12624000225516.

Shared care in heart failure management is linked with physical and mental health by perceived control in patient-caregiver dyads

Abstract Background Patients with heart failure (HF) and their family caregivers have interdependent relationships in managing HF. Shared care within dyads refers to interpersonal interactions characterized by exchanging care and support in chronic illness management. High levels of shared care improve patients’ health outcomes, but it is unclear if shared care is equally beneficial for caregivers. Also unknown is how shared care contributes to the outcomes of both dyad members. We propose that perceived control may be critical in the link between shared care and health status for dyads. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine whether perceived control over one’s health mediates the association between shared care and physical and mental health in patients with HF and their caregivers. Method Patients with HF and their primary caregivers (N=151 dyads) completed questionnaires in this cross-sectional study. Shared care, perceived control over one’s own health, and health status were assessed using the three subscales of the Shared Care Instrument (i.e., communication, decision-making, and reciprocity), the Cardiac Attitudes Scale-Revised, and the Medical Outcomes Study Health Survey-36, physical and mental health scales, respectively. A series of actor-partner interdependence models with mediation dyadic analyses were conducted. Results Patients with HF (mean age 60.3 Years, 64% male) and their caregivers (mean age 56.6 years, 75% female) reported similar levels of communication and reciprocity in shared care, but patients reported higher scores of decision-making in shared care than their caregivers (P &amp;lt; .001). Perceived control over one’s own health significantly mediated the association between communication and physical health (indirect actor effect = .1487; 95% CI: 0.0478 to 0.2759) and between communication and mental health (indirect actor effect = .1650; 95% CI: 0.0454 to 0.3260) for patients, not caregivers (Figures A1 &amp; A2). Similarly, perceived control significantly mediated the association between reciprocity and physical and mental health for patients, not caregivers (Figures B1 &amp; B2). Perceived control mediated the association of decision-making with physical health and mental health for caregivers, not patients (Figures C1 &amp; C2). Conclusion Higher levels of communication and reciprocity increased patients’ perceived control, ultimately improving their physical and mental health, whereas caregivers’ decision-making improved their health by enhancing their perceived control over their health. The different patterns of shared care are linked to the health of patients and caregivers by enhancing perceived control over one’s health.Figure A &amp; BFigure C

Help! I Have Been Thinking to Do It Lately: Workplace Mistreatment and Suicidal Ideation Among Internship Students in Klang Valley

Workplace mistreatment, such as bullying, abusive supervision, and interpersonal conflict, is increasingly conceded as a critical issue affecting the mental health of junior professionals, particularly interns. Due to their momentary status, high expectations, and lack of support, interns are highly susceptible to negative workplace interactions that can lead to severe psychological outcomes such as including suicidal ideation. Drawing on the Fluid Vulnerability Theory, this study aims to examine the prevalence and impact of various forms of workplace mistreatment on suicidal ideation among internship students in Malaysia, providing insights for effective intervention strategies. The study used a cross-sectional research design and involved 247 internship students from the Faculty of Business and Management at UiTM Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia. Data were collected through a structured online questionnaire assessing experiences of workplace bullying, abusive supervision, interpersonal conflict, and suicidal ideation. Statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analysis, were employed to examine the relationships between the variables. The analysis revealed significant correlations between workplace bullying, abusive supervision, and interpersonal conflict with suicidal ideation. Regression models indicated that workplace bullying and interpersonal conflict were significant predictors of suicidal ideation, accentuating the critical need for targeted interventions in educational and professional environments. The findings suggest that workplace mistreatment significantly contributes to suicidal ideation among interns, highlighting the importance of developing supportive interventions and policies. Addressing workplace mistreatment through targeted programs can improve mental health outcomes for young professionals and foster healthier work environments.

Introduction to themed section on mechanisms of national solidarity

AbstractThis introduction to the themed section on ‘Mechanisms of National Solidarity’ explores key questions and challenges related to studying national solidarity as distinct from national identity. Focusing on the ‘how’ rather than the ‘what’, this section highlights the importance of examining and theorising the social mechanisms that shape different manifestations of national solidarity. These mechanisms include interpersonal interactions, social networks, communicative processes, socio‐political institutions and iconic material objects. Additionally, the introduction briefly outlines the six contributions in this section, which examines specific solidarity mechanisms within particular national contexts. The contributions offer valuable insights into the study of nationhood and nationalism in both everyday life and public events, helping to unravel the under‐explored relationship between collective identity formation and the creation of solidarity.

Aboriginal Australian weapons and human efficiency

Aggression—and its role in human societal development—continues to be hotly debated within both the sciences and the humanities. Whatever the evolutionary origins and repercussions of interpersonal and intergroup conflict for the human story, cultures around the globe have invested significant time and effort into designing deadly hand-held weaponry. Here, we describe for the first time, how humans deliver a deadly strike using two iconic and widespread Aboriginal Australian weapons: the kodj and the leangle with parrying shield. We present the world’s first evaluation of striking biomechanics and human and weapon efficiency regarding this class of implement. Results demonstrate the leangle is far more effective at delivering devastating blows to the human body, while the kodj—a multi-functional tool—is more efficient for a human to manoeuvre and still capable of delivering severe blows that can cause death. Together, these data provide the beginnings of an in-depth understanding of how hand-held weaponry has impacted the human body throughout the deep past.

Interpersonal Relationship Between Parents and Its Impact on Mental Health of Children

The family plays an important role in the development of a person as an active participant in the life of society. When a child is born and grows up in a family, the system of relationships in the family that has been developing for years has an impact on the child's psychology. They are influenced by the interpersonal relationships of adults in the family with each other and with their children, i.e. communication, behavior, and attitude toward the child. This effect ultimately affects the child's way of understanding the world, his attitude toward the environment, and even his way of thinking. It would be wrong to consider this effect as negative or positive in the same direction. Because under certain conditions, a child's susceptibility to family influence can have different results depending on how he reacts to these influences. If the educational influence exerted by adults can be compared with existing social norms, the child will most likely follow the model that is considered positive for him. But life experience and observations show that the educational power of the family, especially in the child's preschool age, is high, and during this period the influence of adults in the family on the child can be of primary importance. Therefore, we have sufficient grounds to speak about a direct connection between personality traits and even the formation of a way of thinking and methods of educational influence in the family. Keywords: interpersonal relationship, parents, mental health of children, development