Positive Social Behavior Research Articles

Efficacy of an Animal-Assisted Therapy Program in the Development of Children With Down Syndrome

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a dog-assisted intervention program in occupational therapy (OT) sessions in the treatment of children with Down syndrome (DS). A randomized clinical trial was conducted with 14 children with DS (9–12 years old) randomly distributed into two groups: control and experimental. Both received 12 OT sessions, one per week. The experimental group also received dog-assisted therapy. To evaluate the effects of the program, the Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration (Beery VMI), the Test of Playfulness (ToP), an ethogram of positive and negative social behaviors, and comparisons of vasopressin levels in the urine of children upon awakening and after sessions were used. The results showed that after the conventional intervention, the control group had a significant increase in visual perception and attention scores. The experimental group showed a significantly higher frequency of satisfaction and interactivity behaviors. We found that the presence of the dog maximizes the social skills of children with DS and increases their engagement in positive social interactions; however, conventional OT sessions were more effective with visual-motor performance. No physiological changes were observed in either group after the intervention.

The Tiny Habits that Strengthen Organizational Relationships

This article discusses how seemingly small, everyday social habits and interactions can significantly impact workplace relationships and organizational effectiveness. It explores research on relationship-building behaviors like making eye contact, smiling, saying thank you, asking questions, providing feedback, listening without judgment, self-disclosure, and celebrating wins together. The article argues that while larger cultural factors are important, minor modifications to interpersonal manners, such as consciously engaging in these positive social behaviors, can quietly foster resilient bonds between colleagues. Case studies from various industries are presented to illustrate how strategically cultivated habits delivering appreciation, empathy and care into daily exchanges strengthen collaborative relationships. The article concludes that true organizational transformation starts from nurturing connections through mindfully modified social exchanges, as these small gestures collectively create the type of supportive work environment where people feel valued and initiatives can succeed.

Effect of Blended Music on Social Behaviours of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

The study aimed to investigate the effects of blended music on social behaviours of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The study was quantitative with a single group pretest- posttest research design. Children with ASD studying in special education institutes of Rawalpindi and Islamabad were the population of the study. After screening children for High Functioning Autism through the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ), twelve children were selected conveniently for the intervention. The Urdu version of the Social Responsiveness Scale (USRS-2) was used to measure the social behaviours of children with ASD. Blended music based on Raga Bilawal and Taal Keharwa was validated by the music experts for use during eight weeks of intervention. The data was collected before and after exposure to blended music. Mean scores for each positive and problematic social behaviour were calculated to decide upon the improvement in behaviour. The number of items showing improvement was calculated to decide upon the effect of blended music. 26% of positive behaviours were improved and 74% of problematic social behaviours were reduced. It was concluded that blended music was found effective in developing positive social behaviours and reducing the problematic social behaviours of children with ASD.

Pairing laboratory-housed adult male rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta): Success rates in relation to behavioral response and duration of visual contact

While the benefits of pair housing have been well documented, less is known about increasing success in adult male macaque pair introductions. In this retrospective study, 95 unfamiliar adult male macaque (Macaca mulatta) pairs were examined to determine whether duration of visual contact, behavior, age, and weight were associated with success rate, with “success” defined as two weeks in full tactile contact without excessive behavioral indicators of incompatibility or injury requiring clinical treatment or care. Overall, the unfamiliar adult male pairs achieved a success rate of 72 % and wounding requiring medical attention was rare (2 %). A significant negative relationship between pair success and time in visual contact for pairs was found. Pairs who moved into tactile contact within 48-hours showed more positive social behaviors in protected and full contact and had a high rate of success (91 %), while those who exhibited negative social behaviors were maintained in visual contact for longer. Nevertheless, rapid signs of compatibility were not necessary for the formation of successful pairs. While social introduction success rates steadily declined with increased periods of maintained visual contact, longer durations of 3 days to 1 week (70 %), and 8+ days (58 %), were still accompanied by high to moderate success, respectively. These results indicate that when negative social behavior is present early in visual contact success may be expected to decrease, but it is not necessarily indicative of incompatibility. Providing extra time in visual contact can reduce overall incidences of single housing.

The Influence Relationship between College Students’ Self-Esteem, Appearance Satisfaction, and Beauty Interest for Protection and Convergence

Purpose: In the contemporary world, where personal values and standards of living are on the rise, appearance is not only an important means of self-expression, but also plays a central role in the formation and expression of the self. By being satisfied with one's appearance, one can fulfill the outer and inner beauty of the body, thereby increasing self-esteem and maintaining good interpersonal relationships and positive social behavior in social life. With the increasing importance of appearance in modern society, interest in beauty is also increasing. The objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between self-esteem, appearance satisfaction, and beauty interest among college students. Method: Questionnaires were distributed offline to college students at four-year universities in Gyeon ggi-do for about one month from September to October 2023 and analyzed using the SPSS V.27.0 sta tistical package program to investigate the relationship between self-esteem, appearance satisfaction, and beauty interest. Stepwise multiple regression analysis was used to examine the relationship betwe en self-esteem, appearance satisfaction and beauty interest. Results: First, the results of the analysis of the effect of self-esteem on appearance satisfaction sho wed that self-esteem had a significant effect on two sub-dimensions of appearance satisfaction: appea rance confidence and appearance anxiety. Second, the effect of self-esteem on beauty interest was an alyzed, and it was found that positive self-esteem and negative self-esteem had a significant effect o n the sub-factor of beauty interest, fashion interest. Third, the results of the analysis of the effect of appearance satisfaction on beauty interest showed that self-control interest and others' fashion interes t are influenced by appearance satisfaction and have a defining effect on appearance self -confidence and appearance anxiety. Conclusion: The expansion of the beauty industry has given rise to the emergence of numerous beauty-related fields, which has resulted in a surge in various forms of consumption. It is our contention that multidisciplinary research should be conducted on various generations of consumers in the beauty industry, and we anticipate contributing to further research on beauty interest.

The Application of Space Syntax to Enhance Sociability in Public Urban Spaces: A Systematic Review

Public urban spaces are vital settings for fostering social interaction among people. However, understanding how spatial layouts can promote positive social behaviors remains a critical and debated challenge for urban designers and planners aiming to create socially sustainable environments. Space syntax, a well-established theory and research method, explores the influence of spatial configurations on social aspects. Despite its significant contributions, there is a lack of comprehensive systematic reviews evaluating its effectiveness in enhancing social interaction within urban public spaces. This study aims to identify the existing scientific gaps in the domain of space syntax studies, with a primary focus on sociability in public urban spaces. Following the PRISMA framework, a thorough literature search was conducted in the Scopus database, yielding 1107 relevant articles. After applying screening and eligibility criteria, 26 articles were selected for in-depth review. This review adopted a novel approach to synthesizing and analyzing the findings for identifying underexplored scientific gaps. The findings suggested a wide variety of research gaps to address, encompassing evidence, knowledge, practical, methodological, empirical, theoretical, and target populations to provide a thorough overview of the current state of knowledge in this field. In conclusion, by exploring the interplay between space syntax and design elements such as the urban infrastructure, landscaping, and microclimate in these areas, future research can bridge this gap, particularly when considering a cross-cultural lens. This study underscores the importance of space syntax in promoting social interaction in urban public spaces, offering a robust foundation for future research and practical applications to create more socially engaging environments.

Exploring the neuropsychological basis of behavioral contagion during learning about another agent's social preferences: Evidence from an ERP study.

Social contagion is a pervasive phenomenon and an important social influence that involves the rapid dissemination (propagation) of behaviors, attitudes, emotions, or ideas from one person to another, often without conscious reflection or rational thought. This phenomenon is closely related to conformity, by which a person changes his/her original ideas and attitude and imitates certain behavior of others. Although some behavioral research has been carried out on contagion and conformity, there is very little neuropsychological understanding of these phenomena. Existing research on social influence and conformity has predominantly focused on tasks like mental rotation or rating tasks involving facial expressions, with fewer studies exploring risk preferences and temporal discounting. However, there is a notable gap in the literature when it comes to examining social influence and conformity using other‑regarding preference models derived from heterodox economics. To address this research gap, the present study investigates the neuropsychological underpinnings of social contagion by utilizing event‑related potentials (ERPs) recorded while subjects engage in mini‑dictator games. The behavioral analysis revealed that contagion had an impact on the participants' preferences, leading to a change in their choices. We observed a P300 component in the midline and right posterior during the time window of 200‑350 ms after stimulus onset, which showed a significant increase in mean amplitude when participants observed others' behavior, compared to when they made decisions based on their own preferences. Moreover, the lack of late positive potential in the time window of 500‑650 ms suggests that the presence of P300 may indicate difficulty in making decisions. In summary, by analyzing both behavioral and ERP data, this study may provide a more comprehensive understanding of the cognitive and neural processes that drive conformity and contagion behavior. Our analysis has the potential to inform policymakers in developing effective interventions for promoting positive social behaviors and reducing negative ones.

SHARIA LAW AND COMMUNITY RESPONSE TO ROHINGYA REFUGEES IN ACEH

In Aceh, the implementation of Sharia law plays a significant role not only in social and religious regulation but also in responses to humanitarian issues, such as the case of Rohingya refugees. This study aims to discuss how Sharia law influences the perceptions and actions of the Acehnese community towards Rohingya refugees. The study employs a literature review as the primary approach to gather and analyze existing data. Data were collected through systematic searches in prominent academic databases, online archives, and digital libraries. The search focused on reputable journals, books, government and NGO reports, as well as relevant news articles pertaining to this area of study. The findings of this study indicate that the implementation of Sharia law in Aceh significantly influences the community's response to the arrival of Rohingya refugees. Sharia law in Aceh functions not only as a legal framework but also as a social ethos that shapes humanitarian actions towards the refugees. Sharia law has reinforced humanitarian and solidarity values within the community, as evidenced by the warm reception given to the refugees. However, the study also finds that economic and political factors can modify and even diminish these positive responses over time. The study concludes that in the context of Rohingya refugees, while Sharia law plays a role in shaping positive social norms and behaviors among the Acehnese community, it sometimes fails to adapt or is insufficiently responsive to changing economic and political pressures. These pressures can alter community perceptions and responses to refugees in the long term. Therefore, the study concludes that the complex dynamics between Sharia law and socio-economic conditions in the context of refugees are critical aspects that policymakers and humanitarian practitioners need to address.

Piil Pesenggiri Local Wisdom as the Base of Character Education in Social Studies Learning at Metro City Elementary School, Lampung

This study explores the integration of Piil Pesenggiri local wisdom into character education through Social Sciences Subject (IPS) in elementary schools in Metro City, Lampung. Piil Pesenggiri local wisdom, which consists of four main pillars; respect for others (Nemui Nyimah), cooperation (Sakai Sambayan), achievement (Juluk Adek), and equality (Nengah Nyampur), has been recognized as an important foundation for strengthening character learning in the school environment. This study utilizes qualitative approach and case study in three different elementary schools in Metro City. The research method used is multi-case skin, which collects data through in-depth interviews, participatory observations, and analysis of learning documents. The results depict that the application of Piil Pesenggiri values in social sciences subject significantly promoted positive characters development among learners, including respect for diversity, cooperation, motivation for achievement, and understanding of equality. This practice not only enriches the social sciences subject’s curriculum with culturally relevant content but also contributes to the formation of positive social attitudes and behaviors among learners. These findings suggest that local wisdom such as Piil Pesenggiri can be used as an effective instrument in character education, supporting a holistic vision of education in Indonesia, especially in the diverse community contexts such as Metro City, Lampung. This research provides important insights into the potential of local wisdom in forming the basis of strong and culturally relevant character education.

Leadership Style and Social Behavior of Social Workers in China

This study examined the influence of leadership style on the social behave of social workers across different districts and organizations in China. The empirical measurement involved the participation of social work stations and associations, which included the Social Workers Association and various district social work stations in Hunan. The study sample consisted of 488 individuals who were social work learners and professionals. These participants were picked from various districts and training sites, and they were required to undergo self-evaluation tests. Findings reveal that while social workers generally exhibit average levels of empathy, professionalism, ethical decision-making, collaboration, and resilience, significant variations exist based on ae and educational background. Older social workers demonstrate higher levels of these traits compared to younger counterparts. However, barriers such as burnout, limited resources, organizational constraints, and lack of recognition hinder leadership development and positive social behavior. The study seeks to enhance leadership development initiatives and foster positive social behavior in the field of social work in China through a holistic strategy.

BOOK REVIEW: SOCIAL LEADERSHIP IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND CARE: AN INTRODUCTION

Social leadership in early childhood education and care refers to the ability of educators to guide and promote positive social behaviors in young children, as well as create a supportive learning environment that fosters cooperation and empathy. It involves using a range of strategies and techniques to help children develop social skills, self-regulation, and emotional intelligence. Social leadership in early childhood education and care is an essential factor in supporting positive social and emotional development in young children in the UK. According to a study by Breslin and colleagues (2019), effective social leadership involves creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment, promoting positive social behaviors, and using evidence-based strategies to help children develop social skills and emotional intelligence. The study emphasizes the importance of social leadership in improving children’s academic and social outcomes, as well as their long-term well-being. Moreover, the research suggests that social leadership can be especially beneficial in supporting the development of children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Why Must I Choose: Multiracial Students Negotiating Identity at a PWI

College and university campuses are typically the most diverse environments students have ever inhabited. Higher education is an opportunity for students to discover their authentic selves. Universities facilitate student development by creating population-specific resources for marginalized students and motivating them to become involved. Many resources are monoracially designed. Unfortunately, higher education has a history of perpetuating monoracism in involvement opportunities and not considering fluidity as multiracial individuals explore their holistic identity. Instead, universities need to influence positive social behavior in multiracial identity development by encouraging multiracial students to explore their fluidity, rather than negotiate their identity when choosing monoracial organizations in higher education.

Comparative analysis of electrodermal activity metrics and their association with child behavior in autism spectrum disorder.

Researchers are increasingly utilizing physiological data like electrodermal activity (EDA) to understand how stress "gets under the skin." Results of EDA studies in autistic children are mixed, with some suggesting autistic hyperarousal, others finding hypoarousal, and yet others detecting no difference compared to non-autistics. Some of this variability likely stems from the different techniques used to assess EDA. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate and compare commonly used metrics of EDA (frequency of peaks, average amplitude of peaks, and standard deviation of skin conductance level) using two data processing programs (NeuroKit2 and Ledalab) and their link to observed child behavior. EDA data were collected using Empatica E4 wristbands from 60 autistic children and adolescents (5-18years old) during a 7-min play interaction with their primary caregiver. The play interaction was coded for a range of child behaviors including mood, social responsiveness, dysregulation, and cooperation. Results indicate a strong correlation between NeuroKit2 and Ledalab and a weak correlation between metrics within each program. Furthermore, the frequency of peaks was associated with more positive child social behaviors, and the magnitude of peaks was associated with less adaptive child behaviors. Recommendations for replication and the need for generalizability of this research are given.

Social behaviour changes via mindfulness practices in early childhood

This study aims to investigate the effects of mindfulness practices on preschool children’s social behavioural development. The research was carried out with a total of 30 children, 13 of them in the experimental group and 17 in the control group, from the five-six age groups attending preschool education in two public schools in the 2021–2022 academic years. The purposive sampling method was preferred in determining the sample, and the design of the study was the quasi-experimental mixed method. In the study, Mindfulness Practice Toolkit (MPT), which was developed by the researcher, was used in the forms of observation, interview and anecdote as data collection tools during the practice processes. Besides, Pre-school Social Behaviour Scale-Teacher Form (PSBS-TF) was also utilized to examine the social behaviour developments of the participant children. The overall results of the investigation show an increase in positive social behaviours and a decrease in behaviours containing physical aggression and depressive emotion of participant children. Additionally, it was observed that children who participated in the mindfulness practice provided (/responded to) responses that include skills like identifying self-thoughts and feelings, controlling and accepting, determining behaviours upon the emotional state and establishing empathy and controlling negative behaviours.

Moral Alertness and its relation to Positive Social Behaviors of University Students

Moral Alertness and its relation to Positive Social Behaviors of University Students

Social, Behavioral, and Academic Ramifications of Video Game Playing in College

The purpose of this research project is to determine whether video game usage influences the psychological well-being of college students. This project seeks to understand technology usage habits among students and whether this affects school performance. Previous research suggests video games may be used to treat psychological issues such as anxiety. Self-report studies note video games were helpful in certain populations in coping with stress, developing positive social behaviors, and improving cognitive abilities (Carras et al., 2018; Nuyens et al., 2019; Schuurmans et al., 2018;). Since psychological well-being is a crucial factor in academic performance (Carton & Goodboy, 2015; Punia & Malaviya, 2015), the current study will examine potential relationships between gaming and college GPAs. Poor habits related to technological usage may lead to negative mental health outcomes. A survey examining these factors was completed by college students at Texas Woman’s University. The survey was composed of questions from the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale, Psychological Wellbeing Scale, and Boundary Management Subscale. Data was tested using ANOVAs, a Tukey HSD test as a post hoc test, and Eta squared. The results of the data found gaming tendencies were not significantly associated with GPA but were associated with negative mental health outcomes and increased issues with technology boundary management. The study has marked limitations due to the lack of non-gaming survey participants and most respondents identifying as female. These findings may be useful for clinicians in treating addictive gaming tendencies. Future research should examine more diverse student populations.

Parenting by mothers in immigrant families from Poland, Russia and Turkey in Germany: Migration-related similarities or origin-related differences?

Even if families in migration contexts have been the subject of an increasing amount of attention in migration research in the recent years, there is a noticeable knowledge deficit with regard to current parenting practices and socialization goals of immigrant families living in Germany. This is particularly striking since child-rearing is of central importance for children’s development and their educational pathways. This paper seeks to fill this gap, drawing on the survey “Growing up in Germany: Everyday Life” (AID:A) provided by the German Youth Institute (DJI). Similarities and differences in attitudes towards parenting among immigrant mothers compared to mothers without migration backgrounds were analyzed with regard to parenting practices (emotional warmth, punishment and child’s active participation) and socialization goals (performance/self-control and positive social behavior). In a sample of 5870 mothers reporting on a child under the age of nine, mothers in families where both they and the father had Turkey, Russia or Poland as their country of origin were included and compared to autochthonic families. The results revealed significant differences in parenting practices and socialization goals between mothers with and without migration backgrounds. Concerning parenting practices, Turkish and Russian mothers differed significantly from German mothers with regard to emotional warmth and punishment. In terms of socialization goals, all immigrant mothers placed more emphasis on both performance/self-control, as well as positive social behavior for their children than mothers without migration backgrounds in Germany.

Evaluation of School Social Behaviors of Students with Special Needs From the Perspectives of Physical Education and Branch Teachers

This study aimed to evaluate the school social behavior of students with special needs from the perspective of physical education and branch teachers. The school social behavior scale was used in this study. The study was carried out by scanning method. The school social behaviors of 218 students in secondary school were evaluated by both their physical education and branch teachers according to their course performances. When the findings obtained in the research were evaluated, no significant difference was detected in the total and sub-dimensions of students' social competence in physical education and branch courses (p>0.05). Students' antisocial behavior, hostile- irritable scores and antisocial-aggressive scores in the physical education course were found to be significantly lower than in other branch courses (p<0.05). No difference was detected in the demanding-disruptive (p>0.05). According to the gender variable, a significant difference was found in favor of female students in the total and sub-dimensions of social competence in both physical education and branch courses (p <0.05). While there was a significant difference in the total and sub-dimensions of social competence of the students participating in school activities in physical education and other branch courses (p <0.05), there was no significant difference in the total and sub-dimensions of antisocial behavior (p>0.05). As a result, it was determined that the school social behaviors of students with special needs were similar in physical education and branch classes. It has been determined that students who participate in school activities have more positive school social behaviors.

The Use of Behavioristic Techniques for Building Schoolchildren’s Ability to Accept Themselves and Others without Judgment

The prevailing methods of character education in the Russian school are now methods of a rationalistic nature, appealing to reflection, analytical and critical thinking. However, K. Kawakami’s research shows that spontaneous and instinctive behavioral acts of individuals cannot be tackled solely by means of consciousness-based methods of building value attitudes. The manifestation of judgmental behavior by a person is often a spontaneous behavioral-emotional act. In this regard, the author turns to the study of irrational (including behavioristic) methods of character education and ways to use them in the educational process in order to implement the recommendations of the Federal State Educational Standard on developing the ability of schoolchildren to accept themselves and others without judging. In the course of the research, the author relies on theories of classical and operant conditioning, acquisition, anchoring techniques and social imprinting. The author proposes a set of practical behavioristic techniques for use in the school educational process. Some of them are already used in the pedagogical process in Russia or abroad, and some have been developed by the author. Among them are: rhymed or rhythmic educational slogans of an affirmative structure (the role of which can also be played by proverbs and sayings used according to a number of requirements), emotional training technique based on anchor images, as well as bonus rewards for positive social behavior. The conclusions of the article can be used for further theoretical conceptualization of introducing irrational methods into the school process of character education, as well as for developing programs for emotional or moral education, programs for the formation of tolerance, empathy and emotional intelligence with the inclusion of behavioristic and other irrational techniques.

EFFECTIVENESS OF ONLINE VIDEO GAMES IN CINEMATHERAPY TO IMPROVE STUDENT'S PROSOCIAL BEHAVIOR

The problem discussed in this Literature Review is the effectiveness of online video games in cinematherapy to improve students' prosocial behavior. Students as agents of change and the nation's next generation have big responsibilities in the future. Instilling positive social interaction behavior in the form of prosocial can provide benefits both for individuals and for the community environment where students take shelter. The need for prosocial behavior is of course also directly proportional to the need for special strategies in the form of treatment to increase prosocial behavior. Online video games, which are currently quite loved by teenagers, are known to improve a person's skills, including prosocial behavior. The atmosphere of online games that are formed in such a way for players to carry out prosocial activities can inspire players to also carry out prosocial behavior in the real world. Films in Cinematherapy which also display various symbolic modeling messages can also convey various implied information about prosocial behavior. The combination of online video games and cinematherapy to provide various scenes and symbolic messages to the players can increase prosocial behavior for students.