Mediation Role Research Articles

The role of alexithymia in suicide ideation among Taiwanese army military personnel: A serial mediation model investigating the effects of perceived stress and depression.

Maintaining the good mental health of Taiwanese military personnel is crucial, especially in light of incidents such as the Taiwan Strait crisis. Suicide is a leading cause of death among military personnel and alexithymia is a significant risk factor for suicidal ideation. However, the mechanisms linking alexithymia and suicidal ideation in this psychologically burdened population remain poorly understood. In total, 863 voluntary army military personnel from Taiwanese reserve brigades and combined-arms brigades were enroled between May 2020 and February 2021. Structured questionnaires about alexithymia, perceived stress, depression, suicidal ideation, and background characteristics were used. Mediation analyses were conducted to examine the serial mediation roles of perceived stress and depression in the relationship between alexithymia and suicidal ideation. Significant positive correlations were observed between alexithymia, perceived stress, depression, and suicidal ideation in bivariate analyses. Serial mediation analyses revealed that alexithymia significantly predicted higher levels of perceived stress, subsequently leading to depressive symptoms, which were associated with suicidal ideation. Depression served as a significant mediator between alexithymia and suicidal ideation. The strongest mediating effect (71.4%) was observed in the pathway from alexithymia through perceived stress and depression to suicidal ideation. Limitations included the utilization of cross-sectional data and a reliance on retrospective self-report measures. Perceived stress and depression were identified as serial mediators in the association between alexithymia and suicidal ideation. Clinically, it is crucial to prioritise interventions that target emotional regulation skills and assess the presence of alexithymia to effectively reduce suicidal ideation in military personnel.

Enhancing entrepreneurial orientation in high-tech firms: the role of ambidextrous learning and business model innovation

ABSTRACT Entrepreneurial orientation has been recognised as a key driver for bolstering a firm's core competitiveness and fostering the creation of novel advantages. However, the efficacy of entrepreneurial orientation in enhancing the high-tech firm performance has been a controversial issue. We propose an ‘orientation-learning-innovation-performance’ model, which employs the concepts of ambidextrous learning and business model innovation to explore the effects of entrepreneurial orientation on high-tech firm performance within a dynamic environment. PLS-SEM was used to test data gathered from 291 high-tech firms. The results reveal that entrepreneurial orientation does not exert a direct influence on high-tech firm performance, while the mediation role of exploitative learning is not significant. Entrepreneurial orientation mainly influences high-tech firm performance through exploratory learning, ambidextrous learning and business model innovation. This influence is further amplified in contexts characterised by environmental dynamism. Our findings contribute to the literature on entrepreneurial orientation and organisational learning theory, providing insights that firms can use to enhance efficiency and maintain a competitive advantage.

The impact of Benevolent Childhood Experiences on adult Flourishing: the mediating role of Light Triad traits.

The literature has well documented the relationship between Adverse Childhood Experiences, personality traits, and well-being. However, less is known about how Benevolent Childhood Experiences (BCEs) relate to "light" personality traits and Flourishing. The study analyzed the effects of BCEs on Flourishing, considering the mediator role of Light Triad traits (Kantianism, Humanism, and Faith in Humanity). The study used a quantitative methodology with a non-experimental, cross-sectional design; 410 Honduran adults responded to the survey, including questions regarding Light Triad personality traits, Flourishing, and BCEs. On average, respondents reported 7.34 BCEs. The number of reported BCEs did not vary significantly between men and women. However, specific BCEs were categorically associated with subjects' sex. A higher proportion of men reported having at least one teacher who cared about the respondent, having opportunities to have a good time, and liking/feeling comfortable with oneself. Flourishing was significantly higher for participants who reported the presence of BCEs. The largest effect size was achieved for the difference in Flourishing scores between those who reported liking school as a child and those who disliked it. The number of Benevolent Childhood Experiences had a significant total and direct effect on Flourishing scores. Significant indirect effects were also identified. Faith in Humanity and Humanism, not Kantianism, mediated the relationship between BCEs and Flourishing. BCEs significantly explained all Light Triad traits. In conclusion, BCEs have significant direct and indirect effects on adult Flourishing; Faith in Humanity and Humanism mediate this relationship.

Why to purchase health knowledge on online platforms? A two-phased SEM-ANN approach

ABSTRACT Previous research on online health knowledge payment has mainly focused on the health consultation context and knowledge contributors-related characteristics. However, less attention has been given to the roles of health knowledge itself and the underlying platforms. Based on the perceived value theory and S-O-R framework, this study investigated how health knowledge and platform characteristics influence consumers’ purchase intention. Through a survey of 432 Chinese respondents, we employed a multi-analytical approach, combining structural equation modelling (SEM) with artificial neural network (ANN) techniques. SEM results indicate that knowledge personalisation, platform information quality, and platform service quality positively influence both utilitarian and hedonic values, subsequently affecting purchase intention. Furthermore, our findings support the partial mediation role of perceived value. ANN results highlight platform information quality as the most influential stimulus factor. Our study broadens the research scope of online health knowledge payment and offers theoretical and practical insights for its further advancement.

The parent–child relationship in the digital era: The mediator role of digital parental awareness

The parent–child relationship was extensively reshaped during the infusion of digital technologies into families’ daily lives. In this context, this research aims to investigate the relationship between the parent’s time spent with the child and the parent–child relationship when digital parenting awareness including negative and positive roles is taken into consideration. A cross-sectional survey research method was employed. The data was collected by demographic information form, Child-parent Relationship, and Digital Parental Awareness scales. The data was analyzed from 285 parents with 3–6 years old children. In order to test the hypotheses, the Hayes-Process model was employed to determine the mediating effects of sub-dimensions of digital parental awareness between parent’s time spent with the child and the parent–child relationship. The results revealed that being a negative digital role model, digital negligence, parents' effective use of technology, and protection from digital risks partially mediate the link between parent–child time and their relationship. An increase in negative role modeling and digital negligence are associated with a decrease in the positive parent–child relationship. Furthermore, parents’ efficient use of and protection from risks from technology affects the parent–child relationship positively.

Mediation role of DNA methylation in association between handgrip strength and cognitive function in monozygotic twins.

Handgrip strength is a crucial indicator to monitor the change of cognitive function over time, but its mechanism still needs to be further explored. We sampled 59 monozygotic twin pairs to explore the potential mediating effect of DNA methylation (DNAm) on the association between handgrip strength and cognitive function. The initial step was the implementation of an epigenome-wide association analysis (EWAS) in the study participants, with the aim of identifying DNAm variations that are associated with handgrip strength. Following that, we conducted an assessment of the mediated effect of DNAm by the use of mediation analysis. In order to do an ontology enrichment study for CpGs, the GREAT program was used. There was a significant positive association between handgrip strength and cognitive function (β = 0.194, P < 0.001). The association between handgrip strength and DNAm of 124 CpGs was found to be statistically significant at a significance level of P < 1 × 10-4. Fifteen differentially methylated regions (DMRs) related to handgrip strength were found in genes such as SNTG2, KLB, CDH11, and PANX2. Of the 124 CpGs, 4 within KRBA1, and TRAK1 mediated the association between handgrip strength and cognitive function: each 1 kg increase in handgrip strength was associated with a potential decrease of 0.050 points in cognitive function scores, mediated by modifications in DNAm. The parallel mediating effect of these 4 CpGs was -0.081. The presence of DNAm variation associated with handgrip strength may play a mediated role in the association between handgrip strength and cognitive function.

Systematic investigation of genetically determined plasma and urinary metabolites to discover potential interventional targets for colorectal cancer.

We aimed to identify plasma and urinary metabolites related to colorectal cancer (CRC) risk and elucidate their mediator role in the associations between modifiable risk factors and CRC. Metabolite quantitative trait loci were derived from two published metabolomics genome-wide association studies (GWASs), and summary-level data were extracted for 651 plasma metabolites and 208 urinary metabolites. Genetic associations with CRC were obtained from a large-scale GWAS meta-analysis (100,204 cases; 154,587 controls) and the FinnGen cohort (4,957 cases; 304,197 controls). Mendelian randomization (MR) and colocalization analyses were performed to evaluate the causal roles of metabolites in CRC. Druggability evaluation was employed to prioritize potential therapeutic targets. Multivariable MR and mediation estimation were conducted to elucidate the mediating effects of metabolites on the associations between modifiable risk factors and CRC. The study identified 30 plasma metabolites and four urinary metabolites for CRC. Plasma sphingomyelin and urinary lactose, which were positively associated with CRC risk, could be modulated by drug interventions (ie, Olipudase alfa, Tilactase). Thirteen modifiable risk factors were associated with nine metabolites and eight of these modifiable risk factors were associated with CRC risk. These nine metabolites mediated the effect of modifiable risk factors (Actinobacteria, BMI, waist-hip ratio, fasting insulin, smoking initiation) on CRC. This study identified key metabolite biomarkers associated with CRC and elucidated their mediator roles in the associations between modifiable risk factors and CRC. These findings provide new insights into the etiology and potential therapeutic targets for CRC and the etiological pathways of modifiable environmental factors with CRC.

The multiple mediation role of message-sending skills and the ability to deal with interference in listening and feedback

The multiple mediation role of message-sending skills and the ability to deal with interference in listening and feedback

Why and when transformational leadership influences followers' qualitative job insecurity: A three‐wave moderated mediation study

AbstractThis study explored the mediation role of follower organization‐based self‐esteem (OBSE) and the moderation role of workplace friendship in the relationship between transformational leadership and follower qualitative job insecurity. We adopted a three‐wave longitudinal design and collected survey data from 142 Chilean employees. Cross‐lagged mediation panel analysis indicated that transformational leadership had a lagged effect on follower OBSE, which, in turn, had a lagged effect on follower qualitative job insecurity. Further, follower workplace friendship moderated the effect of transformational leadership on follower OBSE such that transformational leadership only promoted follower OBSE when followers had high workplace friendship but did not significantly moderate the indirect effect of transformational leadership on follower qualitative job insecurity via OBSE. Integrating the leadership literature with the job insecurity literature, our study takes the first attempt to explore how, why, and when transformational leadership may influence follower qualitative job insecurity.

The Impact of Social Media Marketing on Brand Loyalty in the Fashion Industry: The mediator role of Brand Love

The Impact of Social Media Marketing on Brand Loyalty in the Fashion Industry: The mediator role of Brand Love

The Relationship between Body Mass Index, Body Dissatisfaction and Mood Symptoms in Pregnant Women.

Background: High body mass and adiposity during pregnancy can contribute to psychological distress, and body dissatisfaction may be a potential underlying mechanism of this association. Objective. This study aimed to evaluate the mediational role of body dissatisfaction in the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and depressive and anxious symptoms, respectively. Methods: Given the cross-sectional design of this study, two alternative models were investigated, positing that BMI was related to depressive (Model 1a) and anxious symptoms (Model 2a), which, in turn, predicted body dissatisfaction. Seventy-two pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy completed the Body Image Disturbance Questionnaire, the Beck Depression Inventory-II and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, as well as a demographic form assessing their BMI. Results: As hypothesized, body dissatisfaction mediated the relationship between BMI and psychopathological symptoms. Moreover, the alternative models of reverse mediation were also significant, suggesting that psychopathological symptoms mediated the relationship between BMI and body dissatisfaction. Findings from both the hypothesized and alternative models suggested that, on the one hand, higher distress symptoms associated with body dissatisfaction would result from high BMI and, on the other hand, that body dissatisfaction may result from the effect of BMI on distress symptoms. Conclusions: The present study suggests that body image theory and practice should be implemented by the inclusion of evidence-based clinical interventions for promoting psychological well-being during the antenatal period.

How Karmic Beliefs and Belief in Just World Interact to Activate Social Entrepreneurial Intentions: A Polynomial Regression with Response Surface Analysis

Little is known about how religious beliefs (i.e. karmic beliefs and beliefs in a just world) can active individuals’ social entrepreneurship. Integrating the justice motive theory within stimulus-organism-response framework, our study aims to explore the individual, complementary, congruent, and incongruent impacts of karmic beliefs and belief in a just world on social entrepreneurial intention as well as the mediation role of empathy and moral obligation in this relationship. Using a sample of 401 individuals and employing polynomial regression with response surface analysis, findings indicate that karmic beliefs and belief in a just world serve as significant stimuli which not only inspire empathic and moral organisation, but indirectly reinforce individuals’ social entrepreneurial intentions. Moreover, high levels of both karmic beliefs and beliefs in a just world can enhance organisms (empathy and moral obligation), and behavioural responses (social entrepreneurial intentions), but imbalanced levels of these beliefs erode such organisms and responses. Some practical implications have been recommended to foster social business ventures based on the findings of the current study.

Effects of Testosterone in Mediating the Relationship Between Daytime Napping and Osteoporosis in European Populations: A Mendelian Randomization Study.

We aimed to explore the causal effect of daytime napping on the risk of osteoporosis and the mediation role of testosterone in explaining this relationship. Summary data for Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis were obtained from the IEU OpenGWAS database. Univariable MR(UVMR) analysis and multiple sensitivity analyses were applied to explore the casual relationship between daytime napping and bone mineral density (BMD)/osteoporosis. We also conducted multivariable Mendelian randomization (MVMR) analysis to evaluate the correlation between testosterone-associated single-nucleotide variations and BMD/osteoporosis. Then, mediation analysis was performed to explore whether the association between daytime napping and BMD/osteoporosis was mediated via testosterone. Genetically predicted daytime napping was significantly associated with femoral neck BMD (β [95% CI]: 0.2573 [0.0487, 0.4660];P = 0.0156), lumbar spine BMD (β [95% CI]: 0.2526 [0.0211, 0.4840];P = 0.0324), and osteoporosis (OR [95% CI]: 0.5063 [0.2578, 0.9942];P = 0.0481). β and 95%CIs indicate the standard deviation (SD) unit of BMD increase per category increase in daytime napping. OR and 95%CIs represent the change in the odds ratio of osteoporosis per category increase in daytime napping. We observed a potentially causal effect of more frequent daytime nappingon higher BMD and a lower risk of osteoporosis. Daytime napping was causally associated with a higher level of bioavailable testosterone (β [95% CI]: 0.1397 [0.0619, 0.2175]; P = 0.0004). β and 95%CIs represent the change in the SD of testosterone per category increase in daytime napping. Furthermore, the causal effects of daytime napping on BMD/osteoporosis were partly mediated by bioavailable testosterone. Daytime napping can efficiently increase BMD and reduce the risk of osteoporosis, and testosterone plays a key mediating role in this process.

Positive Emotions in Family Caregivers of Alzheimer's Disease Patients: Factors Associated with Gain in Caregiving from a Gender Perspective.

Background/Objectives: Gender differences in the variables of burden, anxiety, depression, and others associated with psychological distress have been found in studies on caregivers caring for a dependent relative, but a gender perspective is seldom used when analysing the positive aspects of caregiving. This study contributes to filling this gap by analysing gender differences in caregivers in a specific positive variable: gain. Methods: A cross-sectional design was used in a sample of 44 male and 96 female caregivers from Family Alzheimer Associations. Gender differences were analysed in demographic and psychological variables associated with the caregiving situation. Results: Female caregivers showed higher psychological distress than male caregivers, but gender differences in gain were only obvious when a deeper analysis of the GAIN scale responses was performed. The mediational role of psychological distress and other predictive variables showed a different pattern in male and female caregivers. The important predictive and mediating role that psychological distress plays in the greater perception of gains in caregiving and the result showing that female caregivers are the ones with poorer mental health support the need for preventive and therapeutic programs specifically targeting the positive aspects of caregiving in female caregivers. Conclusions: Three aspects could be highlighted in this study: family caregivers of AD patients perceived gain in the caregiving situation; gender plays a differential role in the perception of gain; and, finally, psychological distress should be the target when interventions are planned, not only to alleviate negative aspects but also to increase the positive aspects of caregiving.

Connecting communities through Student-led service-learning approaches: Perspectives from students in action coaches and an illustrative team case study

ABSTRACT Service-learning is an educational approach combining theoretical skills and hands-on project applications, crucial for younger generations who play an essential role in the future of their communities. Students in Action (SIA) is a program implemented within K-12 schools to foster service-learning through student-led service projects facilitated by advisors, typically teachers. SIA identified the need for a near-peer mentor role to enhance K-12 students’ service-learning experience and create a liaison between advisors and students. We addressed this need by having college students take on a mediator role as SIA coaches in four schools within the community. From our work, we aimed to create a framework by outlining our experiences, providing a multi-perspective case study, and demonstrating the utility of a University and K-12 partnership in a service-learning context for other SIA organizations nationally to replicate this role and create a stronger sense of unity within communities.

The Drivers of Green Brand Evangelism: The Mediation Role of Green Brand Experience

Objective: While environmentally friendly products and brands are widely available, consumer adoption and usage of these products remain relatively low, highlighting disconnection between pro-environmental values and actual green practices related to green brand. This discrepancy is attributed to biased perceptions toward green brands. This study aims to address the perception bias issue in the relationship between pro-environmental values and behaviors, focusing on green personal care brands. Theoretical framework: Based on Stimulus Organism Response theory combined with Self-Verification Theory, Consumer Culture Theory and Social Exchange theory, this study proposes that individual factors such as Environmental Self-Identity and brand related factors such as Self-Green Brand Connection, Brand Trust, and Green Brand Experience play crucial roles in influencing Green Brand Evangelism with Green Brand Experience acting as a mediator in these relationships. . Method: Utilizing a non-probability purposive sampling approach, data was collected from 404 respondents through an online questionnaire using a 1-7 Likert scale. The Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) method was employed for data analysis. Results and conclusion: The findings of this research indicate that Green Brand Experience significantly mediates the impact of Environmental Self-Identity, Self-Green Brand Connection, and Brand Trust, on Green Brand Evangelism. This study represents a pioneering effort in examining the influence of Environmental Self-Identity on Green Brand Experience and Green Brand Evangelism. And the first attempt in investigating the mediating role of Green Brand Experience in shaping Green Brand Evangelism. This research contributes to a better understanding of how social-constructed green brand experiences can foster Green Brand Evangelism among consumers.

Spatial network structure and influencing factors of carbon emission intensity in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao greater bay area

Introduction: In response to China’s ambitious dual-carbon goals, this study investigates the spatial correlation and influencing factors of carbon emission intensity within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Great Bay Area (GBA), a region pivotal for the nation’s energy conservation and emission reduction efforts. Through a comprehensive analysis encompassing the period from 2000 to 2020, this research aims to delineate the spatial dynamics of carbon emissions and identify actionable insights for regional low-carbon development.Methods: Utilizing an integrated methodology comprising spatial autocorrelation analysis, Social Network Analysis (SNA), and the Quadratic Assignment Procedure (QAP), the study analyzes carbon emission data alongside socio-economic variables. These methodologies allow for a nuanced exploration of the spatial correlation structure and the determination of factors influencing carbon emission intensity across the GBA.Results: Findings reveal a cyclical fluctuation in the spatial network of carbon emissions from 2000 to 2020, characterized by varying degrees of cohesion among cities, indicating significant opportunities for spatial optimization. A “core-periphery” pattern emerges, with economically robust cities such as Hong Kong and Macao at the core, and less developed cities like Huizhou and Jiangmen on the periphery. Cities like Guangzhou and Shenzhen play crucial mediator roles. The QAP analysis further identifies six major influencing factors: geographic spatial proximity, economic development level, urbanization rate, industrial configuration, level of technological innovation, and environmental protection efforts, with the latter four having a markedly positive impact on spatial relevance.Discussion: The study’s insights underscore the importance of understanding the spatial dynamics of carbon emissions and the role of socioeconomic factors in shaping these patterns. For policymakers and stakeholders in the GBA, these findings highlight the necessity of targeted intervention strategies that consider both the unique position of cities within the spatial network and the broader socio-economic context. This approach can significantly contribute to achieving China’s dual-carbon objectives, promoting energy conservation, and facilitating the transition to a low-carbon economy.

The Effect of Digital Transformation on Employee Performance with Mediation Role of Technological Infrastructure: Evidence from Egyptian Oil and Gas Sector

The Effect of Digital Transformation on Employee Performance with Mediation Role of Technological Infrastructure: Evidence from Egyptian Oil and Gas Sector

The effects of social media usage on vicarious traumatization and the mediation role of recommendation systems usage and peer communication in China after the aircraft flight accident

ABSTRACT Background: Previous research has indicated that continuous exposure to disaster-related information through social media can lead to vicarious trauma. However, scholars have recognized the need for further in-depth research into the underlying mechanisms influencing this relationship. Objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact mechanism of social media usage on vicarious traumatization in users and analyze the roles of recommendation systems and peer communication. Methods: This study was conducted with college students in China, focusing on the context of the MU5735 aircraft flight accident in China in which 123 passengers and 9 crew members died. Data were collected through an online questionnaire. The partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) method was used to test the data and model. Results: This study obtained valid responses from 1317 participants. The study findings revealed a significant positive correlation between social media usage(β = 0.180，P < .001), recommendation systems usage (β = 0.172, P < .001), peer communication (β = 0.303, P < .001), and the development of vicarious traumatization. Recommendation systems usage (specific indirect effect = 0.063, P < .001) and peer communication (specific indirect effect = 0.138, P < .001) mediated the relationship between social media use and vicarious trauma. Additionally, the impact of peer communication on vicarious trauma was found to be higher compared to the effects of continuous social media use and recommendation system use. Conclusion: The study found that the use of social media to obtain information about accidents, the frequent pushing of accident information by recommender systems, and the frequent discussion of accidents among peers during unexpected accidents contribute to vicarious traumatization. The study suggests that users’ reduced retrieval of accident information via social media, as well as reduced peer-to-peer discussions about accidents, and social media platforms’ adjustment of recommender system algorithm rules to reduce accident information pushes, may help reduce the likelihood of users experiencing vicarious traumatization.

The Relationship between Transformational Leadership and Supply Chain Performance with Mediation Role of Job Satisfaction: Evidence from Egyptian Petrochemical Companies

The Relationship between Transformational Leadership and Supply Chain Performance with Mediation Role of Job Satisfaction: Evidence from Egyptian Petrochemical Companies