Positive Self-esteem Research Articles

New horizon in improving ageing with improvisational theatre.

Cognitive decline, mental health and mindset factors can all affect the autonomy and well-being of older adults. As the number of older adults across the globe increases, interventions to improve well-being are urgently needed. Improvisational theatre (improv) and improv-based interventions are well-suited to address this need. Studies have shown that participation in improv-based interventions has a positive impact on mental health indicators, including depressive symptoms, well-being and social connectedness, as well as cognitive skills such as attention and memory. In addition, improv-based interventions have been beneficial for people with dementia, improving positive affect, self-esteem and communication. In this article, we describe improvisational theatre, or improv, and the reasons it has emerged from a form of spontaneous theatre that involves playfulness and creativity to an important tool to effect behavioural change in individuals and groups. We then review the literature on the effects of improv in ageing populations, with a focus on social, emotional and cognitive functioning. Finally, we make recommendations on designing improv-based interventions so that future research, using rigorous quantitative methods, larger sample sizes and randomised controlled trials, can expand the use of improv in addressing important factors related to autonomy and well-being in older adults.

초등교사의 경청과 공감이 교사-학생관계 교사효능감에 미치는 영향

Objectives This study aims to draw educational implications by assessing the influences of elementary school teachers’ ‘attentive listening’ and ‘empathy’ on ‘teacher efficacy for teacher-student relations’ mediated by ‘self-esteem.’ Methods To understand the correlation and causality between variables set in this study, exploratory factor analysis, reliability analysis, correlation analysis, simple regression analysis, multiple regression analysis, mediator variable regression analysis were conducted. Results First, attentive listening had a significant impact on teacher efficacy for teacher-student relations (H1 adopted: B=.563, p<.001). Second, empathy had a significant impact on teacher efficacy for teacher-student relations (H2 adopted: B=.452, p<.001). Third, attentive listening had a significant impact on self-esteem (H3 adopted: B=.454, p<.001). Fourth, empathy had a significant impact on self-esteem (H4 adopted: B=.424, p<.001). Fifth, self-esteem had a significant impact on teacher efficacy for teacher-student relations (H5 adopted: B=.590, p<.001). Sixth, attentive listening had a significant impact on teacher efficacy for teacher-student relations mediated by self-esteem (H6 adopted: β=.357, p<.001). Seventh, empathy had a significant impact on teacher efficacy for teacher-student relations mediated by self-esteem (H7 adopted: β=.294, p<.001). In addition, in the relations of attentive listening and empathy with teacher efficacy for teacher-student relations, self-esteem had a partial mediation effect. In addition, as for the influence of the independent variable on teacher efficacy for teacher-student relations, attentive listening had a relatively greater impact than empathy. Conclusions This study drew educational implications by revealing the causal relation and influence of several variables affecting ‘teacher efficacy for teacher-student relations.’ The results of this study suggest that attentive listening and empathy are needed for smooth teacher-student relation. Smoother teacher-student relations can be expected when attentive listening and empathy are mediated with positive self-esteem. Hopefully, this study would contribute to the promotion of elementary school teachers’ ‘teacher efficacy for teacher-student relations’ and help research related to attentive listening and empathy.

Guided recall of positive autobiographical memories increases anticipated pleasure and psychological resources, and reduces depressive symptoms: a replication and extension of a randomised controlled trial of brief positive cognitive-reminiscence therapy

ABSTRACT Reminiscence-based interventions focus on recalling autobiographical memories and reflective reasoning to develop a healthy and adaptive view of oneself and one’s life. This study aimed to replicate the effects of a three-session, group-based, positive-memory version of cognitive-reminiscence therapy (CRT) on psychological resources and mental well-being and extend the findings to anticipated pleasure. The participants (N = 75, M age = 43.7 (SD = 16.7), 60% females) were randomised to CRT or control group. Anticipated pleasure, psychological resources (schemas of positive self-esteem, self-efficacy, meaning in life, optimism), mental well-being (depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms) and theorised change processes (automatic negative thoughts, awareness of narrative identity) were assessed. Relative to the control group, the CRT group reported significantly higher anticipated pleasure (d = 0.76–0.93) and psychological resources of self-esteem, self-efficacy, and optimism (d’s = 0.58–0.99) at post-CRT and follow-up, and lower depressive symptoms post-CRT and at follow-up (d = 0.56–0.67). Findings on meaning in life and negative automatic thinking were partially replicated. This study replicates findings of the effectiveness of this intervention for improving psychological resources such as self-worth, confidence and optimism and depressive symptoms, and indicates additional effects on anticipated pleasure. CRT may serve as a standalone intervention, or as an adjunct “memory booster” for interventions focused on future thinking and related anticipated reward.

Prevalence of Alcohol Use Disorders and Self Esteem Levels among Undergraduate Students: A Cross-Sectional Study at Kampala International University's Western Campus, Uganda

This cross-sectional study conducted at Kampala International University's Western Campus (KIU-WC) in Western Uganda aimed to investigate the prevalence of alcohol use disorders and assess self-esteem levels among undergraduate students. Utilizing the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale, data were collected from 366 participants to explore the relationship between alcohol consumption and self-esteem within the academic environment. Results revealed that 33.1% of participants acknowledged alcohol use, with 18.6% identified as being at a higher risk of alcohol use disorder. Among alcohol users, the prevalence of alcohol use disorders (AUDIT score ≥20) was 33.9%, leading to an overall prevalence of 11% across the entire undergraduate student population. Self-esteem scores ranged from 11 to 30, with a median of 18. Findings indicated that 7.9% of respondents exhibited low self-esteem, while 91% demonstrated normal self-esteem, and 1.1% showcased high self-esteem. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to address alcohol use disorders and promote positive self-esteem among university students in Uganda. Keywords: Prevalence, Alcohol, Disorders, Self-esteem, Undergraduate Students, Uganda.

PHYSICAL SELF-ESTEEM OF ALBINOS IN KINSHASA AND ITS EXPLANATORY FACTORS

The aim of this research was to assess the physical self-esteem of albinos in the Democratic Republic of Congo (more specifically, those living in the city-province of Kinshasa), and to identify the most explanatory factors. With this in mind, a physical self-esteem inventory was applied to 70 albinos living in Kinshasa, members of the Mwimba Texas Association. Following the administration of this inventory, it was found that the albinos surveyed had positive physical self-esteem. This positive self-esteem manifested itself in a positive perception of: (1) overall self, (2) physical value, (3) physical appearance and (4) strength. The study of explanatory determinants made it possible to target two factors that influenced all the dimensions of the self-esteem of the subjects surveyed (support of entourage and perception of albinos by entourage).

Balance and deep connections: the impact of physical activity on body and sexual self-esteem, psychological distress, and marital satisfaction among adults.

To date, no research has examined the relationship between sexual self-esteem, body self-esteem, psychological distress, marital satisfaction, and engagement in physical activities. Through a study involving 443 adults the aim of this research was to analyze the connections between engaging in physical activities, body self-esteem, sexual self-esteem, marital satisfaction, and psychological distress among adults. The results obtained through Partial Least Squares (PLS) modeling with SmartPLS reveal significant interconnections among these variables. The correlation between body self-esteem and psychological distress, the positive relationship between sexual satisfaction and positive sexual self-esteem, as well as the beneficial influence of engaging in physical activities on marital satisfaction, are key highlights of this study. The robustness of the measures, confirmed by high coefficients, strengthens the credibility of the results. Despite these advancements, the cross-sectional nature of the study emphasizes the need for longitudinal research to gain a deeper understanding of psychological and relational dynamics over time. In conclusion, this study offers significant contributions to promoting balanced marital relationships, highlighting the importance of considering body and sexual self-esteem, psychological distress, and physical activity within the context of human relationships.

Psychometric features of the Cocaine Use Motivation Questionnaire (CUMQ)

ObjectivesCocaine use has tended to increase over the past decade, particularly among younger populations. Cocaine is the second most commonly used illicit substance in France. Over the past few years, there has been an uptick in cocaine consumption in the country. The observed increase in consumption raises questions about the underlying motives. The goal of the present study is to construct and validate a questionnaire that explores the motivation behind cocaine use. Materials and methodsThis paper consists of two studies conducted on different data collections. In the first study, one thousand, one hundred and thirteen (n=1113) individuals participated and six hundred and seventy (n=670) individuals participated in the second study. All participants were current or former cocaine users. These participants completed an online sociodemographic questionnaire, a constructed questionnaire exploring motivations for cocaine use. This questionnaire was developed using the self-determination theory of (Deci & Ryan, 1985) and 11 semi-structured interviews with users. The purpose of these interviews was to explore the motivation for cocaine use, the expected benefits, and the negative consequences. From literature and the corpus of previously completed interviews, a first version of the questionnaire with 31 items was produced. The research respects the ethical recommendations of Helsinki and has received a favorable opinion from the research ethics committee. The data was collected anonymously and on a voluntary basis. ResultsIn the first study, 574 (51.6%) men and 539 (48.4%) women participated. The mean age of the participants was 25.0 years (SD=5.83) ranging from 18 to 65 years old. In the second study 310 (46.3%) men and 360 (53.7%) women participated. The mean age of the participants was 25.7 years (SD=4.23) ranging from 18 to 48 years old. Initially, an exploratory factor analysis was carried out. This first analysis resulted in a 23-item questionnaire with a four-factor solution: pleasant sensations, social pressure and self-image, absence of motivation, and curiosity and experience. The psychometric indicators were quite satisfactory with X2 (465)=15951, P<0.001 for the Bartlett test and 0.91 for the KMO (Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin) test. In the second part of the research, the confirmatory factor analysis indicated a solution with three factors and 21 items. Psychometric indicators showed CFI (Comparative Fit Index)=0.89, RMSEA (Root Mean Square Error of Approximation)=0.06 and SRMR (Standardized Root Mean Square Residual)=0.06. The three main factors for cocaine use were: pleasant and positive sensations, social pressure and self-esteem, and amotivation. ConclusionsThis study laid the groundwork for the development of a valid questionnaire to explore and better understand the cocaine users’ motivations, thereby enabling preventive and therapeutic measures to be adjusted accordingly. This questionnaire can also be used for future research on cocaine use, which is focused on mental health as well as family history and history of traumatic life events, as associated with cocaine use. We may also consider replicating this study on a clinical population with a cocaine-dependency diagnosis, potentially revealing additional motivations.

BENIFITS OF AN INCLUSIVE EDUCATION PROGRAMS ON EARLY CHILDHOOD SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Inclusive education is part of the regional development mission of the Banyuwangi Regency in the 2016-2021 RPJMD "Realizing Accessibility and Quality of Education Services.” The aim of this innovation is for all levels of schools to accept children with disabilities or to provide inclusive education. This study aims to determine the social development benefits of an inclusive education program in PAUD Cerdas, Banyuwangi, Indonesia. There were 130 students, 46 of whom had special needs such as ADHD, Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, or speech and hearing impairments. The methodology used was Qualitative research was conducted through interviews with a headmaster, teacher, and a student parent. According to the research findings, it appears that the Inclusivity Education Program at PAUD CERDAS has the potential to enhance students social development, including communication skills, independence, and respect. Students’ parents demonstrated positive self-esteem by developing patience and gratitude to God. In addition, inclusive education programs for early childhood have a greater potential for social development to continue education to the next level because their golden age is given a positive stimulus. In conclusion, it is believed that an inclusivity education program for early childhood has the potential to enhance social development.

A Review of the Impact of Parenting Styles on Adolescents' Self-Esteem

Negative parenting styles, which include excessive criticism, blame, negative evaluations, and punishment, have a negative impact on the self-esteem of adolescents. This approach can lead to adolescents doubting and negating their own worth and abilities, thus reducing their self-esteem. Research shows that adolescents who are frequently exposed to negative parenting styles are more likely to experience low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and other psychological problems. They may feel insecure and dissatisfied with their abilities and worth. Additionally, negative parenting styles can lead to strained relationships between adolescents and their parents, affecting the development of the parent-child relationship. The self-esteem issues caused by long-term exposure to negative parenting styles may persist into adulthood and have lasting effects on their lives and interpersonal relationships. Therefore, it is emphasized that parents and educators should avoid using negative parenting styles. Instead, they should adopt positive parenting styles, which involve giving children ample attention, encouragement, and support, and creating a positive family atmosphere. This can help adolescents develop positive self-awareness and self-esteem, promoting their healthy development. Additionally, providing psychological support and establishing good channels of family communication are important measures to help adolescents overcome the negative impacts of negative parenting styles.

Relationship between positive parenting and cyberbullying perpetration among adolescents: role of self-esteem and smartphone addiction.

Adolescents may perpetrate cyberbullying in cyberspace, which they perceive as a medium of social communication, and cyberbullying perpetration is closely related to adolescent behavior, mental health, and development. This study aimed to examine the relationship of certain factors related to cyberbullying in adolescents using the framework of Jessor's problem behavior theory. This cross-sectional study investigated the mediating effect of adolescent self-esteem and smartphone addiction in the relationship between positive parenting and adolescent cyberbullying perpetration. The secondary analysis used data from the 2018 Korean Children and Youth Panel Survey. The data on positive parenting, adolescent self-esteem, smartphone addiction, and perpetration of cyberbullying of 2,394 Korean adolescents (boys: 1,297, 54.2%) were analyzed. Hayes' PROCESS macro program was used to confirm the mediating role. The results revealed that 26.5% (n = 634) of adolescents had perpetrated cyberbullying. Positive parenting did not directly relate to cyberbullying perpetration. Adolescent self-esteem and smartphone addiction played a mediating role between positive parenting and adolescent cyberbullying. Individual adolescent characteristics and parent/family system characteristics should be considered in policies aimed at preventing adolescent cyberbullying perpetration, preceded by the management of appropriate smartphone use. Improving young people's self-esteem and teaching them how to use smartphones correctly can help prevent cyberbullying.

Self-esteem and family satisfaction as predictors of life satisfaction in Peruvian highland university students

ObjectiveTo determine whether self-esteem and family satisfaction predict life satisfaction in university students from the Peruvian highlands.MethodsA cross-sectional, predictive design study with the participation of 848 Peruvian university students of both sexes (31.7% male and 68.3% female) whose ages ranged from 17 to 41 years old (M = 20.31 and SD = 3.66). The instruments used were Rosenberg’s self-esteem scale (RSE; 2000), Olson’s family satisfaction scale (FSS; 2006) and Diener’s life satisfaction scale (SWLS; 1985).ResultsShow that the proposed model had a fit of χ2 (269) = 1709.6, p &amp;lt; 0.001, CFI = 0.957, RMSEA = 0.080, SRMR = 0.061, evidencing that positive self-esteem (β = 0.21, p &amp;lt; 0.001) and family satisfaction (β = 0.57, p &amp;lt; 0.001) significantly predict life satisfaction. Unlike negative self-esteem, which does not predict life satisfaction (β = −0.09, p = 0.003).ConclusionSelf-esteem, family satisfaction, life satisfaction, university students, Peru.

The role of autism and alexithymia traits in behavioral and neural indicators of self-concept and self-esteem in adolescence.

Developing a positive view of the self is important for maintaining a good mental health, as feeling negative about the self increases the risk of developing internalizing symptoms such as feelings of depression and anxiety. Even though autistic individuals regularly struggle with these internalizing feelings, and both self-concept and internalizing feelings are known to develop during adolescence, there is a lack of studies investigating the development of positive self-concept and self-esteem in autistic adolescents. Here, we studied academic, physical, and prosocial self-concept as well as self-esteem in adolescent males with and without autism on both the behavioral and neural level. We additionally focused on similarities in one's own and peers' perspectives on the self, and we assessed a potential role of alexithymia (i.e. having trouble identifying and describing one's feelings) in developing a more negative view of the self. Results showed that there were no group differences in self-esteem, self-concept, or underlying neural activation. This shows that autistic adolescent males use the same neural processes when they evaluate their traits. However, regardless of clinical diagnosis, a higher number of autism traits was related to a less positive physical and prosocial self-concept, whereas more difficulty identifying one's feelings was related to lowered self-esteem and less activation in medial prefrontal cortex during self-evaluations. Therefore, in treatment of autistic adolescents with low self-esteem, it is important to take into account and possibly aim to improve alexithymic traits as well.

Investigation of the Psychological Health Status and Influencing Factors of Vocational College Students in Beijing

This study investigates the psychological health status and influencing factors of self-esteem among 960 vocational college students in Beijing (average age 18.78). Results indicate varying degrees of psychological pressure, with overall moderate self-esteem levels. Participants' scores for depression, anxiety, self-esteem, subjective well-being, simplified coping style, and psychological resilience fall within the normal range. Specifically, 72.9% of students reported no depression, 8.5% displayed anxiety symptoms, and 38.4% had a relatively good level of self-esteem. Positive coping strategies were commonly employed (average score 1.78), while negative coping was less utilized (average score 1.59). Demographic factors, such as gender and being an only child, showed limited impact on psychological health and self-esteem, but specific coping styles were affected. The study emphasizes the importance of creating supportive environments to foster positive self-esteem development and overall well-being in vocational college students. Keywords: Vocational college students, psychological health, self-esteem, academic achievements, family support, social recognition

EFFECT OF SELF-ESTEEM ON LIFE SATISFACTION AMONG ADOLESCENTS

This study aims to investigate two things based on the empirical data mentioned above: (1) how self-esteem and life satisfaction are related (2) the effects of gender on self-esteem as well life satisfaction. This review paper indicates that our emotional health, relationships, well-being, and ability to make decisions are all impacted by our sense of self-esteem. Adolescents who are confident in their skills and abilities may feel more satisfied with their lives generally, which could lead to higher self-esteem. Similarly, persons who tend to underestimate their own skills may have lower levels of positive self-esteem in response to reduced life satisfaction. Adolescents with high life satisfaction scores also exhibit better levels of social, emotional, and academic self-efficacy than those with low life satisfaction. Reduced levels of happiness and life satisfaction might result from poor self-esteem. Life satisfaction and self-esteem help adolescents to control, regulate, or reduce psychological distress and increase their subjective happiness, which in turn contributes to their overall mental well-being. Whether these two variables are high in boys or girls, the conclusion is that gender has an impact on self-esteem and life satisfaction. Increased life satisfaction is predicted by self-esteem and academic achievement in both boys and girls Gender influences the expression and growth of self-esteem. KEYWORDS: Self-Esteem, Life satisfaction, Adolescents

Investigation of Internalized Weight-Related Stigma: Progression to Dietary Addiction and the Role of Stress.

Internalizing weight stigma can lead to the development of dietary addiction, as individuals seek food as a coping mechanism for the emotional distress caused by stigma. The influence of stress exacerbates this dynamic, encouraging the reliance on food as a stress-coping strategy. Electronic questionnaires were completed in a special electronic form through an online platform. The Two-Factor Weight Bias Internalization Scale (WBIS-2F), the Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS), the DepressionAnxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), the Life Orientation Test (LOT), the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS) were used at this study to examine the prevalence of Internal Weight Stigma (IWS) among adults in Greece, evaluate the degrees of stress/anxiety, food addiction, mental resilience, emotions, and positive life perspectives within this group, and explore the correlations between stress/anxiety, mental resilience, optimistic life attitudes, and both IWS and food addiction. 376 participants completed the questionnaire. The average BMI of the participants was 26.3 kg/m2 (SD = 5.9 kg/m2). Almost half of the participants (46.8%) fell within the normal weight range (18.5 ≤ BMI ≤ 24.9), while 28.2% were classified as overweight and 21.0% as obese. Interestingly, a significant majority (63.1%) perceived themselves as heavier than the normal weight range suggests. Most participants demonstrated typical levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, with percentages of 67.3%, 64.9%, and 71.3%, respectively. Resilience exhibited positive associations with optimism and positive emotions while displaying negative connections with depression, anxiety, stress, and negative emotions. Additionally, individuals with greater optimism reported fewer symptoms of despair, anxiety, and stress. The research highlights the intricate dimensions of mental well-being, emphasizing the need for a holistic comprehension encompassing demographic, psychological, and societal factors. The results indicate potential strategies for intervention to boost resilience, and optimism, and tackle issues such as food addiction, underscoring the significance of fostering a positive body image and self-esteem.

Attitude to the meaning of life and life satisfaction of elderly and senile people

The subject of the study is the attitude of the personality of elderly and senile people to the meaning of life and life satisfaction. The methodological basis of the study is the biopsychosocial approach, as a fundamental research model in medicine and medical psychology. Changes in the lives of older people are associated with retirement, changes in social status, loss of professional, interpersonal connections and financial stability, the presence of health problems, which leads to changes in values and meanings of life, and sometimes to maladaptation, which makes it relevant to study the characteristics of individual relationships old people. The purpose of the study is to identify the characteristics of the personality of elderly and senile people to the meaning of life and life satisfaction and to indicate the direction of psychological assistance. Scientific novelty of the study: empirical data were obtained on significant differences in the life-meaning orientations of elderly and senile people. The study was focused on studying the life-meaning orientations, life satisfaction, cognitive functions and emotional state of elderly and senile people. When analyzing the relationships between indicators, it was revealed that the meaningfulness of life of older people is associated with the consistency of achieving goals, which leads to positive self-esteem and satisfaction with life itself. Representatives of old age, due to physical and cognitive decline, distance themselves from activity in society, while maintaining satisfaction with life. The focus of psychological assistance programs requires a differentiated approach when working with elderly and senile people. Along with the correction of cognitive functions and the formation of new hobbies, it is important to include classes to develop communication skills among representatives of the older group. The results obtained can be used by specialists in medical and social institutions.

Effects of Computer-Assisted Reading Interventions on Literacy Skill Gains of At-Risk Students During a Summer Break

Learning to read is an essential skill for later academic success, positive self-esteem, and gainful employment. Students who display reading difficulties/disabilities at the end of third grade are less likely to succeed in content areas and graduate from high school. Recent data suggests that many students in today’s schools do not become skilled readers, and the reading loss widens during summer months due to skill regression. Regression of reading skills is greater for students from low Socioeconomic status (SES) families and for students with disabilities. This study examined the effects of two computer-assisted reading programs on the reading skills of 21 students at-risk for reading failure during a summer break. All students were pre- and post-tested after 8 weeks of intervention. Furthermore, tutors’ and students’ perceptions regarding the effectiveness and desirability of the programs were measured. A description of the computer programs, results, implications, and limitations of the study are discussed.

Psychological foundations of communication in operational and investigative activities of law enforcement agencies

Relevance. Investigative work involves creating contact between representatives of law enforcement agencies and persons of interest. It builds extremely complex system based on functional and psychological actions. This complexity embraces constant changes in society, which makes the study relevant. The shift in the mind-set of criminal offenders changes attitude of law enforcement agencies in carrying out investigative actions.Purpose. The aim of the paper was to establish the psychological approaches, which would enable effective communication between the criminal subject and the representative of the law enforcement authority.Methodology. The authors used the method of analysis and synthesis, comparison, deduction, formal and legal method and generalisation method. They concluded that a law enforcement officer faces a number of problems and challenges that require a high level of psychological skill development when carrying out investigative activities.Results. The researchers confirmed that the successful work of a law enforcement official directly depends on the integrity of the socio-psychological and physiological profile. The enforcement officers seek high motivation to achieve the desired outcome, self-confidence, positive self-esteem, strive for self-development, self-determination and high degree of adaptation to external factors and stimuli. The authors determined that communication with potential perpetrators requires special approaches on the part of law enforcement officials, notably psychological tools to obtain the necessary information and to establish a quality contact.Conclusions. The results obtained during the work can be applicable to develop training materials for law enforcement officers to raise their skills, as well as for further scientific research on the topic.

Differentiation of Physical Training for Athletes Aged 10-12 in Kickboxing: Potential and Research Perspectives

Martial arts hold a prominent position in the array of sports disciplines, characterized by an extensive range of techniques, severe performance standards in competitive settings, impactful actions, unpredictability of outcomes, and substantial physical contact. Within this framework, the implementation of a personalized approach to physical training for children in the 10-12 age group becomes essential. This strategy encompasses an inclusive evaluation of each young athlete's unique physiological, biomechanical, and psychological traits. Such a holistic approach not only facilitates their well-rounded development but also minimizes the likelihood of injuries.&#x0D; From an educational perspective, this technique covers not only the physical aspects of training, but also emphasizes the development of academic and social skills, using methods that stimulate interest, self-motivation and positive self-esteem in athletes. It is important to use personalized training strategies that take into account the different learning styles and needs of each child, which contributes to the better integration of kickboxing techniques and the development of the necessary skills. Special attention is paid to the development of training programs that meet the individual needs and capabilities of each child, ensuring harmonious physical, psychological and social development at this key stage of their life.&#x0D; In conducting a systematic review of contemporary scholarly literature addressing physical training, the efficacy of assorted methodological approaches in the differentiation of training across various sports disciplines, such as fencing, the military- sports complex all-around, sports games, volleyball, and rowing, has been substantiated. However, there is a notable deficiency in scholarly focus on exploring the application of these differentiated physical training approaches within martial arts, especially in terms of specific physical fitness metrics for athletes in these disciplines. This research gap highlights the imperative for additional investigation and the creation of refined training strategies tailored to martial arts practitioners. These strategies should be designed to expertly integrate the distinct physical and physiological traits of these athletes.

Cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of the Iowa-Netherlands Comparison Orientation Measure for the Brazilian context.

The Iowa-Netherlands Comparison Orientation Measure (INCOM) was developed to measure individual differences in social comparison orientation and has been widely used in research and various different settings. The aim of this study was to adapt the online version of the INCOM and to evaluate its psychometric parameters when applied to a Brazilian population of university students. The procedures were divided into two steps: step 1 - cross-cultural adaptation and analysis of content validity, and step 2 - assessment of psychometric characteristics. Step 1 comprised the processes of translation, evaluation by an expert committee, evaluation by the target population, and back-translation. For step 2, 1,065 university students were recruited and then factor analysis, analysis of reliability, and analysis of validity based on external measures were performed. The adaptation process yielded satisfactory results, including good indicators of content validity. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a two-dimensional structure and adequate factor loadings, except for item 11, which was excluded from the final version. Additionally, the final version of the scale had adequate fit indices (χ2 = 148.45, degrees of freedom [df] = 26; p < 0.001; root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] = 0.06; comparative fit index [CFI] = 0.99; and Tucker-Lewis index [TLI] = 0.98). Evidence of reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.83) was observed and there were positive correlations with negative affect (r = 0.36) and negative correlations with positive affect and self-esteem (r = -0.15; r = -0.41, respectively). The Brazilian version of the INCOM presents satisfactory psychometric parameters and can thus be used to measure social comparison orientation.