Positive Self-image Research Articles

Core features of positive mental health in adolescents and their protective role against psychopathology

Mental health is more than the absence of mental illnesses. However, while we acknowledge the importance of positive mental health, there is a lack of comprehensive understanding about positive mental health in adolescents and how it protects against psychopathology. This study seeks to understand adolescent positive mental health as a complex system by estimating the networks of components associated with positive mental health and their relationships to indicators of negative mental health. We analyzed data from 1909 adolescents aged 16–19 in Singapore using regular Gaussian Graphic models and Bayesian Directed Acyclic Graphs. Here we report positive self-image as a central upstream node with significant downstream effects on various aspects of well-being. Conversely, positive affect, social skills, perseverance and poor stress management are identified as downstream nodes with limited influence on other components. Our findings highlight the complex interplay between different dimensions of adolescent mental health and underscore the importance of positive self-image as a critical determinant of overall well-being. These results provide valuable insights for designing targeted interventions to enhance positive self-image to promote positive mental health and mitigate the risk of adverse outcomes among adolescents.

Visual Art Activities as a Means of Realizing Aspects of Empowerment for Blind and Visually Impaired Young People

In this article, we present a study that examined the effects of visual art activities on the realization of aspects of empowerment in a blind ninth-grade elementary school female student with minimal residual vision. We focused on three key aspects: well-being, positive self-image, and empowerment of strengths and weaknesses. In addition to the student, her mother and a personal assistant who accompanies the student during each activity in art class participated in the study. Based on initial interviews with all three participants, we developed ten visual art activities that address at least one of the listed aspects in different ways. Based on interviews, rating scales, observations and analysis of the visual art solutions, we found that visual art activities have a significant impact on improving a person's well-being, helping to strengthen a good self-image, reinforcing strong areas and developing weaker ones. In the future, we could broaden the range of psychological aspects that could be influenced by artistic activities, and we would also obtain more interesting and reliable results if more people with different special needs were included in the research.

Личностные факторы формирования и укрепления национальной идентичности: роль восприятия собственной компетентности

<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Objective. </strong>This study examines how an individual's self-competence is related to their national identity. Additionally, the study investigates how the self-concept of own competence mediates in that relationship.<br><strong>Background. </strong>People with a high internal locus of control frequently think that hard work and wise choices can produce favorable results. Self-competence can be favorably impacted by decision-making skills and self-assurance in one's ability to make personal decisions. People see themselves as special individuals with the capacity to achieve goals and overcome challenges in a variety of spheres of life. Having a positive self-image of one's own competence can have a significant effect on a person's life, including their feeling of national identity. Self-perception of one's own skill and aptitude can enable people to make positive contributions to the prosperity and advancement of their country. The self-concept of one's own competence serves as a bridge between locus of control and national identity. People who believe they are competent and capable are more inclined to participate in national identity-building activities. <br><strong>Study Design</strong>. The research adopts a quantitative approach using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to test a theoretical mediation model. The study investigates whether self-concept of competence mediates the relationship between internal locus of control and national identity. <br><strong>Participants</strong>. The study sample consists of 504 university students (176 men and 328 women), aged between 18 to 25 years, recruited from 20 public and private universities in Jakarta, Indonesia.<br><strong>Measurements</strong><strong>.</strong> Internal locus of control and self-concept of competence were assessed using the general control beliefs scale, while national identity was measured with the National Identity Scale. Data were analyzed using SEM to assess the proposed relationships between these variables. <br><strong>Results</strong>. The results revealed a significant relationship between internal locus of control and national identity, with self-concept of competence acting as a partial mediator. The findings indicate that individuals with higher internal locus of control tend to perceive themselves as competent and are more likely to strongly identify with their nation. Model fit indices demonstrated good fit (Chi-square = 0,077, CFI = 1,00, RMSEA = 0,024, SRMR = 0,026). <br><strong>Conclusions. </strong>The study highlights the importance of internal locus of control and self-concept of competence in the development of national identity. Interventions aiming to foster national cohesion and engagement can benefit from focusing on enhancing individuals' self-perception of competence and empowering them to take active roles in their communities. These findings provide practical implications for psychological and educational strategies to strengthen national identity formation.</p>

Graphic Narratives on Overcoming Eating Disorders and Reconciliation of the Body Image in Nadia Shivack’s Inside Out (2007)

Mental illness is often misunderstood, misinterpreted, and misrepresented in the social-cultural context of society. Even with the development of psychology, there is still no widespread understanding of mental disorders and depression. Eating disorders, like anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa, are psychological disorders where the victim never eats food or binge eats and purges after eating, respectively. Young men and women are influenced by body shaming in society. They lose their self-esteem because they do not have that picture-perfect body portrayed in the media and mainstream culture, they use binge eating, purging, and starvation in their struggle to attain a body that is accepted by mainstream culture. Some fall into unhealthy eating practices causing nutrition deficiency, anemia, and ulcers; thus, they ruin their overall health. Graphic narratives about psychological disorders like eating disorders provide a realistic picture of the suffering of the victim through words and imagery. This research paper analyzes the graphic novel Inside Out: Portrait of an Eating Disorder (2007) by Nadia Shivack, a memoir that elaborates on the author’s struggle with an eating disorder. The subjective narrative of the eating disorder highlights the struggles of the patient as well as society’s concern for those who overlook the disorders. Moreover, graphic narratives help victims of eating disorders pave the way for self-acceptance and creating a positive self-image.

중학교 자유학기제 미술교육 참여경험에 대한 질적 사례연구: 조형미술과 미술치료의 융합

Objectives The purpose of this study attempted to find out what students who participated in free semester art education in middle school experience in the curriculum that combines formative art and art therapy, and what the meaning of the experience is. Methods The method study participants were 10 voluntarily participating out of 65 first graders of middle school A who participated in the free semester system art education in region B. Art education was conducted once a week from March to May 2022, 90 minutes of block time class, and data were analyzed based on qualitative case study methods. Results As a result, 6 upper themes and 17 lower themes were derived through art education in which art therapy was fused. Looking at the results centering on the main categories, as you learned your psychology, you gained a sense of accomplishment by discovering a new self and acquiring new knowledge. As the range of thoughts expanded, the ability to cope with crises improved, and the importance of communication with others was confirmed through correct self-expression. Confidence was raised and stress was relieved by the free expression of emotions inherent in a comfortable environment. With a new perspective on differences, I have come to accept myself objectified and understand others. Conclusions First, participants became opportunities for self-exploration beyond the standardized framework of process-oriented art therapy education. Second, the breadth of thinking expanded by acquiring new knowledge through various experiences. Third, by formatively creating emotions that were not expressed in everyday life and converting stressed or suppressed emotions into active energy, they gained a sense of psychological stability. Fourth, they established a positive self-image by understanding their own acceptance and others. Based on these research results, the significance and limitations of this study were discussed.

The promoting effect of biomechanics-based optimization strategies for preschool sports on mental health

Background: Early childhood is crucial for physical and mental development. Incorporating sports into preschool education fosters motor skills but also promotes emotional and psychological well-being. Traditional sports programs often focus on generalized physical activities, neglecting biomechanics to optimize movement efficiency and reduce injury risks. A holistic approach combining biomechanics with mental health promotion is needed. Aim: This study investigates the impact of biomechanics-based optimization strategies in preschool sports and their effects on mental health. Methods: The research involved 150 preschool children divided into two groups: One participating in a biomechanics-based sports program (experimental group) and the other in a conventional sports curriculum (control group) based on survey. The biomechanics-based program included an assessment of body biomechanics and movement efficiency, alongside pedagogical methods designed to enhance physical and mental development. SPSS software was used to analyze covariance (ANCOVA), independent samples t-tests, paired samples t-tests, chi-square tests, and regression analysis to evaluate the efficiency of the biomechanics-based program and its influence on the physical and mental health of preschool children. Results: Results showed significant physical improvements, including enhanced head angle, muscle strength, spinal flexibility, and balance control. The biomechanics-based program significantly improved children’s physical and mental health metrics, particularly motor skills, balance, and emotional regulation. These improvements contribute to better mental health outcomes by fostering a positive self-image (PSI), enhancing confidence (EC), and promoting emotional well-being (PEW). Conclusion: The study emphasizes the importance of integrating biomechanics-based strategies into preschool sports programs to support both physical and mental development.

Life Skills of Physical Education University Students: Identification of Needs – Implications for Educational Practice

Background: Modern education should be strongly oriented towards equipping young people with the skills needed to maintain psychosocial well-being, defined as life skills. The aim of this study was to present the self-assessment of selected life skills of physical education (PE) students, analyze variables differentiating the self-assessment of those skills in the test group, and verify the correlation between the degree of self-assessment of life skills and the subjective assessment of mental well-being. Methods: This study was based on a sample of 494 individuals studying PE in Poland. The diagnostic survey method was used. Results: The skills of coping with and managing stress were assessed as the lowest. Sex, study mode, level of study, and employment while studying were the variables differentiating the self-assessment of life skills among the academic youth. Correlation analysis showed that better mental well-being correlates with higher self-assessment of skills, especially for positive thinking (p 0.001; rs = 0.51) and building a positive self-image (p 0.001; rs = 0.45). Conclusions: The hypothesis that a higher level of life skills in PE students was associated with a better self-assessment of well-being was confirmed. The obtained results may be useful in the preparation of future curricula and intervention programs at universities educating physical education teachers.

Student behavior at university: The development and validation of a 10-dimensional scale.

This study proposes the multidimensional concept of 'student behavior at university' and methodology for its quantitative investigation. Unlike previous concepts related to aspects of the student experience, the idea of student behavior considers the combinations and interrelations of individual and environmental characteristics affecting student experience and outcomes. It provides a new lens for viewing student experience at university, highlighting the multifacetedness of this phenomenon and the diversity of possible patterns of student behavior. Based on the conceptual model, a ten-dimensional scale measuring student behavior was developed and validated through mixed-method research with an exploratory sequential design. The following dimensions of student behavior were identified: 1) interaction with course content in class; 2) persistence; 3) self-learning; 4) irresponsible learning behavior; 5) active learning; 6) friendship; 7) study collaboration; 8) obedience; 9) creating a positive self-image; and 10) extracurricular involvement. To develop a survey instrument, we utilized semistructured in-depth interviews with Russian students (n = 119). In the quantitative phase of the study, based on the survey (n = 1,253) carried out at seven highly selective Russian universities, we tested the reliability and validity of the ten-dimensional scale. To test construct-related validity, we utilized the self-determination theory developed by Ryan and Deci and a short version of the Academic Motivation Scale developed by Gordeeva, Sychev, and Osin for the Russian educational context. Our findings are in line with assumptions of self-determination theory and the results of previous studies and can be considered evidence of construct validity. The directions for further development of the methodological approach and its practical implications are discussed.

Association analysis of Talbot positive self-image and negative self-image for spherical wave illuminating on planar grating

Based on planar grating Fresnel diffraction theory, the correlation between Talbot positive self-image and negative self-image for spherical wave illuminating on planar grating is analyzed by theoretical and experimental methods. The results indicate that Talbot positive and negative self-images of orders 0 and ±1 show a checkerboard shape with periodic structure, with opposite phases when the period magnification factor M is the same. However, the detail of Talbot positive self-image is more detailed than the negative self-image, due to phase reversal and changes in Talbot distance, which imply a relationship of mutual constraints between the two images. Additionally, the peak light intensity of positive and negative self-image increases with the increase of M. Talbot positive and negative self-image are observed at corresponding Talbot distance by theoretical and experimental results, and Talbot distance of the two Talbot images is obviously divided into rapidly decreasing and slowly changing as z 0 increases.

Enhancing nurse faculty resilience through self-leadership: guidelines for resource mobilization in dynamic academic environments.

The purpose of the study was to develop guidelines for the facilitation of self-leadership in nurse faculty. Of the 12 guidelines developed, this paper discusses the two related to resilience through self-leadership practices, namely: encouraging reliance on internal sources for self-preservation; and strengthening the positive self-image of nurse faculty through management and peer support. An exploratory, sequential mixed-methods design was used to guide the development of guidelines. Enhancing nurse faculty resilience can be achieved by promoting engagement in self-leadership activities. These activities contribute to faculty members' profound satisfaction, confidence in their knowledge, and overall competence. Resilience is enriched through practicing self-leadership in a supportive work environment and plays a crucial role in adapting to significant changes in the work environment. It has been identified as a key factor that facilitates the ability to persist against struggles and challenges in the workplace. The implementation of higher education reforms in South Africa has brought about increased workload, stress, and uncertainties to an already overwhelmed nurse faculty workforce, consisting of mainly female faculty. It is prudent that a supportive environment that empowers nurse faculty well-being and resilience be facilitated to ensure adaptation to a dynamic and competitive nursing education environment.

Who Holds up the Mirror? Women, Neighborhoods, and Public Education in Black Montreal

The Montreal Regional Committee of the National Congress of Black Women (NCBW), acting out of the burrow of Little Burgundy, was juggling a litany of roles in their service to Black Montrealers by the 1980s. Consisting of a mere fifty members, this non-profit had begun to show vested interest in the affordable public education of their fellow Black citizens, especially in regards to the maintenance of positive self-image in the youths of their communities. One project, “Let’s hold that mirror straight- Towards a positive Black image,” took up much of the energy of this passionate group in 1981. However, despite concerted efforts on the part of the organization and enthusiastic second parties, the event ended up being a middling success at best. This essay will consider how the failure of the “Hold That Mirror Straight” conference reflected the wider social issues plaguing Little Burgundy as a result urban renewal projects, which had been present in the neighborhood for decades by 1981. Indeed, this work will analyze the link between the conference’s lackluster success and another pivotal event which rocked the neighborhood at the end of the calendar year: the closure of the local anglophone secondary school, the Royal Arthur School. These two events, I would argue, would cast a shadow over the community for the next decade, and would mark the earliest steps towards the eventual downfall of the Negro Community Centre in 1993.

Putting self at stake by telling a story: Storyteller's narcissistic traits modulate physiological emotional reactions to recipient's disengagement.

Telling a story to a disengaged recipient induces stress and threatens positive self-image. In this study, we investigated whether storytellers with overly positive and fragile self-images (e.g., individuals with grandiose and vulnerable narcissism) would show heightened behavioral, emotional, and psychophysiological reactivity to recipient disengagement.Building on Bavelas, Coates, and Johnson [1] we conducted a conversational experiment instructing the participants to tell about a "close call" experience to a previously unknown co-participant. We modified the co-participant's level of interactional engagement by asking them either to listen to the story carefully or to simultaneously carry out a counting task that distracted them from the content of the story. We found that the distraction condition was unrelated to the storytellers' narration performance, but a significant positive association was found between the story-recipients' observed lack of affiliation and the tellers' narration performance. The distraction of recipients was also associated with increased self-reported arousal in the tellers, indicating disengagement-induced stress in the tellers. Moreover, tellers higher in grandiose narcissism reacted with higher skin conductance response to disengagement, and vulnerable narcissism was associated with higher heart rate during narration in general. Our experiment thus showed that grandiose narcissists are emotionally sensitive to their co-participants' disengagement.

Living with and living by tattoos – discursive analysis of a bodily practice

ABSTRACT In this case study, we present a discursive analysis of tattoos related to significant autobiographical events, examining their pictorial, interpretative, embodied and discursive characteristics in a remembering process. Tattoos are pictorial motifs of a culturally defined system, while tattooed persons as active agents endow them with personal meanings connected to their motives. This study presents the connection between motif choosing and individual motives, as well as the embodied positions of tattoos with their discursive consequences. Our paper underscores that not only new or reinterpreted meanings are created in this practice, but persons also construct their own positions, their own situated selves and identity in a positioning process. Through these discursive identity positions, that are assigned both in everyday conversations and in wider social-cultural discourses, persons construct more positive self-images, thus creating a device for coping with crisis situations.

Nutritional and Psychosocial Intervention to Improve the Self-Concept of Body Image and Increase the Self-Esteem of Overweight and Obese Individuals: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

Negative habits persist in contemporary society that can sometimes result in overweight or the deterioration of body image. This study aimed to assess the suitability of a nutritional and psychosocial intervention as part of an interdisciplinary approach to improve the perception of body image and increase the self-esteem of individuals who are overweight or obese. A total of 55 participants (25 men and 30 women) were included in this quasi-experimental intervention study. Measurements were taken as part of an ambulatory treatment to obtain values for weight, self-esteem, and body image perception using the Rosenberg scale and the Body Self-Esteem scale. At the end of the intervention and after one year, the weight reductions reached an average of 13.4 kg, positive self-image perception improved from a mean of 88.73 at pretest to 148.02 at follow-up, and self-esteem improved from a mean of 22.6 to 32.6. These were all statistically significant changes (p < 0.001). The model is effective in terms of weight reduction, together with improved levels of self-esteem and favorable perceptions of body image.

A comparative analysis of early years’ programme culture in the US and Poland – advancing humanism by placing love, freedom, care and consideration for others first

ABSTRACT Building on the idea that the culture of an organisation has an extremely deep influence on the personalities, minds and identities of people who participate in it (Hofstede 2015) – we reflected on how the US and Polish cultures' specific values and beliefs were represented and symbolised in the early childhood settings. We focused our analysis on the prosocial disposition that influenced the early childhood programme’s philosophy; environment; parental involvement; celebrated holidays; classroom management; plays and games objects that children are playing with and the curriculum. The results of this research demonstrated that both preschools stressed dispositions like care and consideration for others, love and freedom. In Polish preschool culture, based on their very long history and tradition of wars and partitions, early on, children are exposed to the concepts of truth, forgiveness, second chances and ultimately peace. In the US preschool culture with multicultural traditions, importance is placed on self-confidence, positive self-image, belonging and respect.

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF OUTBOUND MANAGEMENT TRAINING WITH GAME TECHNIQUE TO IMPROVE STUDENTS’ SELF-ADJUSTMENT

Students need to adjust because, as adult individuals, they must deal with the expectations and hardships of college life. One of the initiatives to promote personal mental health is self-adjustment. The inability to adapt to daily life in various social environments can cause unhappiness for someone, especially students. One effort to improve student adjustment is through outbound management training using game techniques. The aim of this research is to determine the effectiveness of outbound management training using game techniques to improve student adjustment. This research is quantitative research with a one-group pretest posttest research design. The research subjects were 12 students from the Guidance and Counseling Study Program at PGRI Madiun University. The sampling technique uses the purposive sampling technique. The data collection technique uses a self-adjustment scale consisting of 15 items referring to the Psychology of Adjustment theory, including four components, namely accurate perception of reality, ability to overcome stress and anxiety, positive self-image, ability to express feelings, and good interpersonal relationships. The data analysis technique uses the Wilcoxon signed rank test. The research results show that outbound management training is effective in improving students' adjustment to everyday life.

Therapeutic and developmental benefits of fairy tales in early childhood: A mini-review

The role of fairy tales in preschool-aged children's emotional and cognitive development is discussed. Separating good from evil makes it easier for children to cope with conflicting emotions. This encourages creative thinking and personality growth as representations of conscious and unconscious motifs in stories guide children through their thoughts. Fairy tales even provide secure, comforting, and supporting feelings though they relate to conflicts or endangerment themes, fostering positive self-image and emotional intelligence in kids. It was found that a happy ending to a fairy tale lessens tension, alleviates anxiety arising from developmental fears, and meets the need for justice among kids. Representation of negative characters in these stories contributes positively to emotional development. In Australia, research has shown that talking about fairy tales helps a child meet emotional needs, especially when told in groups with accompanying acting out. In addition, the article examines how therapeutic fairy tales can decrease fearfulness while dealing with actual life problems throughout this period. Moreover, the paper explores how fairy tales might be used as therapy to address anxiety as well as real-life conflicts during emotional development. Essential for appreciating children’s fantasies that can lead to internal conflicts because of their inability to express themselves in any other manner, it is pertinent for parents and their kids to have storytelling sessions where they can talk about anything. Lastly, fairy tales are sources of inspiration; they teach morals and values; tools necessary for mental growth, cognitive advancement, moral maturity, and creativity, making people think critically and interrogatively.

Dramaturgy of Cirebon Teenage Consumer Behavior in Building Self-Image on Instagram

Instagram is just one of several social media programmes made possible by the latest developments in digital technology. Instagram is more than just a virtual communication tool, but helps teenagers also build their self-image through its many functions. This study aims to uncover how Cirebon teenagers' self-image building works on Instagram, as well as their purchasing habits. The research methodology, particularly the qualitative approach. Results were obtained from an extensive literature review, in-depth interviews, and participant observation. Erving Goffman's dramaturgical perspective was used to examine the data obtained. Teenagers in Cirebon use Instagram as a dramaturgical tool to shape their self-image, according to the research conclusion. Their front stage consistently displays positive aspects and the best material, helping them cultivate a positive self-image and get positive reactions from fans. In addition, Instagram users' real lives are very different from their Instagram appearances, and often users do not want other users to know the ins and outs of their personal lives, including the steps used to create their Instagram appearances.

Hubungan Antara Dukungan Sosial Dan Penerimaan Cinta Beda Agama Pada Remaja

Cultural and religious diversity in Indonesia is one of the factors in the interaction between individuals with different backgrounds. This can also increase the possibility for the individual to have a dating relationship with an individual from a different group. Nowadays, many dating relationships are carried out by individuals who have different religions. The most important social support is from parents and family. Teenagers want to be cared for, cared for, loved and given support appropriate to the age at which teenagers are starting to develop. Apart from parental support, support from the environment is also very important, namely support from teachers, school friends, peers and neighbors. Social support can be applied to the adolescent environment, this support is related to children's academic needs, positive self-image, self-esteem, motivation and mental health. This research uses a library method by collecting information, analyzing and developing understanding from the information obtained. From the information obtained, it can be seen that the acceptance of love from different religions among teenagers is very closely related to the relationship between social support in the youth environment.

Comparative Analysis of Evidentiality in Spoken and Written Academic Discourse

This paper aims to explore the differences existing in the use of evidentiality in spoken and written academic discourse. Great differences are revealed in the occurrence frequency and linguistic forms of sub-types of evidentiality (shared evidentials, reporting evidentials and personal evidentials). Comparatively, writers demonstrate a proclivity towards employing shared and reporting evidentials and opting for linguistic forms conveying objectivity and discreetness due to the temporal and spatial distance inherent in the author-reader dynamic. Speakers tend to use personal evidentials to project a confident and positive self-image and display less stringent adherence to the verifiability of evidence sources because of the instantaneous nature of of (delete) speech and the interactive nature of oral communication with an audience.