Psycho-behavioural Factors Research Articles

A Gamified Learning Environment (Moodle) to Enhance English Language Learning at University Level

This paper explores the use of gamification in Second Language Acquisition (SLA) within Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL). The aim is to investigate the effects of a gamified learning environment, specifically Moodle, on psychobehavioural factors and English learning achievement, and to discuss the affordances of gamification based on empirical findings, contributed both by the present study and previous research. For this purpose, a case study was conducted at the University of Andorra, where a treatment group completed a gamified English course on Moodle, and a control group did the same tasks without gamification. A mixed methodology was used to measure both affective and cognitive variables as well as students’ perceptions on their gamified learning experience. The results show that the treatment group outperformed the control group in Foreign Language Anxiety (FLA) and in Academic Motivation (AM). As for the effects on speaking fluency, they are inconclusive, which is consistent with previous literature. Consequently, the authors advocate for further research to explore the effects of gamification on actual learning in different learning disciplines, beyond students’ mere perceptions.

Effectiveness of a pain neuroscience education programme on the physical activity of patients with chronic low back pain compared with a standard back school programme: protocol for a randomised controlled study (END-LC)

IntroductionEducation is recognised as an effective and necessary approach in chronic low back pain. Nevertheless, data regarding the effectiveness of education in promoting physical activity in the medium term or...

How do psychobehavioural variables shed light on heterogeneity in COVID-19 vaccine acceptance? Evidence from United States general population surveys on a probability panel and social media

ObjectivesTo (1) understand what behaviours, beliefs, demographics and structural factors predict US adults’ intention to get a COVID-19 vaccination, (2) identify segments of the population (‘personas’) who share similar factors...

Self-Compassion and Physical Activity: The Underpinning Role of Psychological Distress and Barrier Self-Efficacy.

Unlike other personality traits or dispositions, self-compassion can be nurtured and is likely a driving source for physical activity. Emerging research has started to examine self-compassion in physical activity contexts; however, most existing studies were underpowered and overlooked the psycho-behavioural factors underlying the link between self-compassion and physical activity. In a sample of 569 UK adults (mean age = 41.92 years, SD = 13.70; 47.8% female), we examined the hypothesis that self-compassion's positive influence on physical activity operates through reduced psychological distress and subsequently increased barrier self-efficacy. Results supported the prediction, with the positive influences of self-compassion being more prominent in more vigorous physical activity. The findings suggest that self-compassion is a good source of emotional resources (i.e., attenuated psychological distress) and confidence to overcome challenges and obstacles (i.e., increased barrier self-efficacy) in the context of physical activity. Future interventions and programs could consider incorporating self-compassion for physical activity adoption and maintenance.

The association of wound factors and symptoms of fatigue and pain with wound healing in chronic venous leg ulcers.

The purpose of this study was: (1) to characterise the association of wound area, wound exudate C-reactive protein (CRP), broad-spectrum matrix metalloprotease protein (MMPs), and symptoms of fatigue and pain in individuals with chronic venous leg ulcers (CVLUs) over time and (2) to identify factors associated with the wound healing trajectory in CVLUs. Seventy four participants with CVLU who received weekly sharp debridement were recruited from a wound care clinic during the 8-week study period. To examine associations among wound CRP, MMPs, pain, fatigue, and wound healing trajectory over time, we calculated Bayes factors (BF) based on a linear mixed model. The mean age of participants was 71.8 (SD=9.8) and the mean wound area was 2278 mm2 (SD=7085 mm2 ) at baseline. Higher fatigue was strongly associated with higher MMPs (BF=9, 95% HDI: [-.05, .43]), lower CRP (BF=11, 95% HDI: [-.02, .002]), and large areas of wound (BF=20, 95% HDI: [-.001, .01]). Higher CRP and MMPs activity in wound exudate and higher fatigue were associated with a larger wound area. To facilitate wound healing, clinicians need to utilise the multifactorial approach, which includes wound treatment and management of symptoms such as pain and fatigue, because of the molecular and psycho-behavioural factors involved in wound healing.

To what extent is circadian phase predictive of subjective jet lag in long-haul cabin crew pre- and post-trip?

Long-haul cabin crew regularly report misalignment between their circadian phase and the external world (i.e. jet lag). The extent to which changes in circadian phase relate to reported levels of jet lag remains unclear. The main aim of the present study was first to evaluate the relationship between objective (circadian phase) and subjective jet lag and second to explore the relative role of both subjective and objective psycho-behavioural factors in predicting the subjective experience of jet lag. Twenty-eight long-haul cabin crew completed questionnaires measuring diurnal preference, trip characteristics and subjective jet lag as a single and as a multidimensional measure. Sleep was monitored using actigraphy and urinary melatonin peak time was measured, at baseline (T1), e.g. before a long-haul trip and post-trip on the crew's first recovery day (T2). Subjective jet lag was also measured at both time points. At T1, later circadian phase related to increased unidimensional jet lag, however, a post-trip discrepancy was found between objective and subjective uni- and multidimensional jet lag measured at T2 and change from T1 to T2. After controlling for direction and size of circadian phase, increased uni- and multidimensional subjective jet lag was predicted by depressed mood states. The regression models including phase, diurnal preference, departure time on the outbound sector and arousal levels accounted for 28% of the variance in unidimensional jet lag and 53% of the variance in multidimensional jet lag. It was concluded that there is a discordance between objective and subjective jet lag post-trip. Further, subjective jet lag in long-haul cabin crew is better explained by mood impairment than circadian phase. The results are discussed with reference to the gap between subjective and objective jet lag and the role of psychology rather than just biology in the jet lag experience. The implications for improving health and safety in the workplace, through a better understanding of the role of human factors in the management of jet lag, are discussed.

Happy Birthday? Relative Age Benefits and Decrements on the Rocky Road.

(1) Background: There is abundant literature in talent development investigating the relative age effect in talent systems. There is also growing recognition of the reversal of relative age advantage, a phenomenon that sees significantly higher numbers of earlier born players leaving talent systems before the elite level. However, there has been little investigation of the mechanisms that underpin relative age, or advantage reversal. This paper aimed to investigate (a) the lived experience of relative age in talent development (TD) systems, (b) compare the experience of early and late born players, and (c) explore mechanisms influencing individual experiences. (2) Methods: interviews were conducted with a cohort of near elite and elite rugby union players. Data were subsequently analysed using reflexive thematic analysis and findings considered in light of eventual career status. (3) Results: challenge was an ever-present feature of all players journeys, especially at the point of transition to senior rugby. Psycho-behavioural factors seemed to be a primary mediator of the response to challenge. (4) Conclusions: a rethink of approach to the relative age effect is warranted, whilst further investigations of mechanisms are necessary. Relative age appears to be a population-level effect, driven by challenge dynamics.

Psycho-behavioural factors influencing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among Korean adults: The moderating role of age.

AimsThis study aimed to identify the psycho‐behavioural factors influencing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) vaccine hesitancy among Korean adults. We examined the primary effects of eHealth literacy, social responsibility and self‐efficacy on COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy using the information‐motivation‐behavioural skills (IMB) model. The moderating effect of age on the relationship between psycho‐behavioural factors and COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy was also examined.DesignThe study used a cross‐sectional survey design.MethodsAn online survey was completed by 500 Korean adults (253 men and 247 women) aged 20–60 years. Data collection took place in May 2021. The constructed hypothetical model for eHealth literacy, social responsibility, self‐efficacy and age was evaluated using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS‐SEM).ResultseHealth literacy, social responsibility and self‐efficacy had significant negative effects on COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy. Age had a significant moderating effect on COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy. The moderating effects of age on the relationship between eHealth literacy and COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy and between social responsibility and COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy enhanced the explanatory power by high effect size. The overall fitness of the hypothetical model was good. The standardized root mean square residual value was 0.007, which explained 18.5% of the COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy.ConclusionTo reduce COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy among Korean adults, a strategic approach that considers age should be adopted to enhance eHealth literacy, social responsibility and self‐efficacy.ImpactThe findings of this study suggest that providing correct health information online related to the COVID‐19 vaccine is likely to be effective in decreasing COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy in older individuals, whereas inspiring a sense of social responsibility is more likely to be effective in younger individuals. These strategic nursing interventions could contribute to improving COVID‐19 vaccination rates among Korean adults.

Sources of COVID-19 Information Seeking and their Associations with Self-Perceived Mental Health among Canadians

Using two datasets from the Canadian Perspectives Survey Series (CPSS), this study provides a longitudinal analysis of information sources Canadians consulted regarding COVID-19, and their associations with poor self-perceived mental health (SPMH) during March and July 2020. Nearly 20% of Canadians reported poor SPMH. The logistic regression results revealed that at Time 2 (July 2020), after controlling for demographic, socio-economic, and psycho-behavioural factors, using social media was significantly associated with higher odds of poor SPMH than using six other information sources including news outlets, federal health agencies, provincial health agencies, provincial daily announcements, places of employment, and other sources (for example, schools, colleges, universities). Checking the accuracy of online information more frequently was also associated with lower odds of poor SPMH.

Understanding the physiology of human defaecation and disorders of continence and evacuation.

The act of defaecation, although a ubiquitous human experience, requires the coordinated actions of the anorectum and colon, pelvic floor musculature, and the enteric, peripheral and central nervous systems. Defaecation is best appreciated through the description of four phases, which are, temporally and physiologically, reasonably discrete. However, given the complexity of this process, it is unsurprising that disorders of defaecation are both common and problematic; almost everyone will experience constipation at some time in their life and many will develop faecal incontinence. A detailed understanding of the normal physiology of defaecation and continence is critical to inform management of disorders of defaecation. During the past decade, there have been major advances in the investigative tools used to assess colonic and anorectal function. This Review details the current understanding of defaecation and continence. This includes an overview of the relevant anatomy and physiology, a description of the four phases of defaecation, and factors influencing defaecation (demographics, stool frequency/consistency, psychobehavioural factors, posture, circadian rhythm, dietary intake and medications). A summary of the known pathophysiology of defaecation disorders including constipation, faecal incontinence and irritable bowel syndrome is also included, as well as considerations for further research in this field.

Psycho-Behavioural Segmentation in Food and Nutrition: A Systematic Scoping Review of the Literature.

Inadequate dietary intakes are a key modifiable risk factor to reduce the risk of developing non-communicable diseases. To encourage healthy eating and behaviour change, innovative public health interventions are required. Social marketing, in particular segmentation, can be used to understand and target specific population groups. However, segmentation often uses demographic factors, ignoring the reasons behind why people behave the way they do. This review aims to explore the food and nutrition related research that has utilised psycho-behavioural segmentation. Six databases from were searched in June 2020. Inclusion criteria were: published 2010 onwards, segmentation by psycho-behavioural variables, outcome related to food or nutrition, and healthy adult population over 18 years. 30 studies were included; most were quantitative (n = 28) and all studies used post-hoc segmentation methods, with the tools used to segment the population varying. None of the segments generated were targeted in future research. Psycho-behavioural factors are key in understanding people’s behaviour. However, when used in post-hoc segmentation, do not allow for effective targeting as there is no prior understanding of behaviours that need to change within each segment. In future, we should move towards hybrid segmentation to assist with the design of interventions that target behaviours such as healthy eating.

Psycho-behavioral factors associated with neurocognitive performance among people living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy in Accra, Ghana.

It is estimated that almost half of all people living with HIV have some form of neurocognitive impairment, but few studies have looked at the risk of neurocognitive impairment and its associated factors in Ghana, due in part to limited resources for such testing. To examine neurocognitive performance in a group of Ghanaians living with HIV and possible factors that contribute to their performance. One hundred and four patients were assessed using a selection of brief non-invasive neuropsychological assessments as well as the International HIV Dementia Scale. Psycho-behavioural factors (alcohol use, depression, and medication adherence) as well as demographic characteristics and functional daily activities were assessed to determine their association with neurocognitive performance, using linear regression and receiver operating characteristic analyses. About 48% of the participants met the criteria for risk of neurocognitive impairment. Age, education, and symptoms of depression were found to be significantly associated with the risk of impairment. Some people living with HIV showed risk of neurocognitive impairment, which was significantly associated with education, age and depressive symptoms. It is therefore important to consider routine neurocognitive screening in HIV management to recognize any risks for early interventions.

Psycho-behavioural factors associated with medication adherence among male out-patients with hypertension in a Ghanaian hospital.

Medication adherence is a key health outcome that reflects the health and general well-being of patients with hypertension. Challenges with adherence are common and associated with clinical, behavioural and psychosocial factors. This study sought to provide data on the extent of medication adherence among male patients with hypertension and their biopsychosocial predictors. Patient and clinical characteristics, psychological distress, insomnia and sexual dysfunction were hypothesized to predict outcomes of medication adherence. Utilizing quantitative data from a hospital-based cross-sectional study from 358 male out-patients with hypertension attending a tertiary hospital in Ghana, medication adherence was associated with age, marital status, educational level, income, duration of diagnosis, number of medications taken and sexual dysfunction. These findings support the need for biopsychosocial interventions aiming at promoting adherence while taking these factors into consideration for the benefit of improving the health and general well-being of male patients with hypertension.

How has psycho-behavioural research advanced our understanding of hypoglycaemia in type 1 diabetes?

Almost 100 years since the discovery of insulin, hypoglycaemia remains a barrier for people with type 1 diabetes to achieve and maintain blood glucose at levels which prevent long-term diabetes-related complications. Although hypoglycaemia is primarily attributable to the limitations of current treatment and defective hormonal counter-regulation in type 1 diabetes, the central role of psycho-behavioural factors in preventing, recognizing and treating hypoglycaemia has been acknowledged since the early 1980s. Over the past 25 years, as documented in the present review, there has been a substantial increase in psycho-behavioural research focused on understanding the experience and impact of hypoglycaemia. The significant contributions have been in understanding the impact of hypoglycaemia on a person's emotional well-being and aspects of life (e.g. sleep, driving, work/social life), identifying modifiable psychological and behavioural risk factors, as well as in developing psycho-behavioural interventions to prevent and better manage (severe) hypoglycaemia. The impact of hypoglycaemia on family members has also been confirmed. Structured diabetes education programmes and psycho-behavioural interventions with a focus on hypoglycaemia have both been shown to be effective in addressing problematic hypoglycaemia. However, the findings have also revealed the complexity of the problem and the need for a personalized approach, taking into account the individual's knowledge of, and emotional/behavioural reactions to hypoglycaemia. Evidence is emerging that people with persistent and recurrent severe hypoglycaemia, characterized by deeply entrenched cognitions and lack of concern around hypoglycaemia, can benefit from tailored cognitive behavioural therapy.

Characteristics of individuals who report present and past weight loss behaviours: results from a Canadian university community

To characterise individuals who reported present and past weight loss behaviours on psycho-behavioural factors known to influence body weight, e.g. overeating, dietary restriction. An online questionnaire was distributed to a university community. Questions pertaining to present weight loss, previous weight loss, eating behaviour tendencies, perceived stress and sleep quality were answered by 3,069 individuals. Body weight and height were self-reported. Present and past weight loss behaviours were prevalent in the sample, with 33.3% of the participants who reported trying to lose weight, 33.1% who reported having previously lost weight (>10lbs), and 18.8% who reported repeated weight loss behaviour (i.e. present and past weight loss behaviours). Trying to lose weight and previous weight loss were both independently associated with increased risk for psycho-behavioural characteristics known to be associated with obesity, e.g. overeating tendencies, perceived stress, short sleep duration. This risk was particularly elevated among the underweight/normal-weight individuals who reported repeated weight loss behaviours. Indeed, adjusted odds ratios for reporting restrictive and overeating tendencies, perceived stress and short sleep for these individuals were significantly higher compared to their underweight/normal-weight peers who did not report repeated weight loss behaviours (adjusted odds ratios 4.7, 2.7, 1.8, and 1.8, respectively, p<0.01 to <0.0001). Normal-weight individuals reporting weight loss behaviours are characterised by a psycho-behaviour profile which may further increase their risk of weight gain.

Psychobehavioural Factors Are More Strongly Associated with Successful Weight Management Than Predetermined Satiety Effect or Other Characteristics of Diet

This study aimed to investigate factors associated with weight management, especially whether satiety value of food as a part of a weight-maintenance diet would affect self-regulation of food intake and weight management. Altogether 82 obese subjects completed the study consisting of weight-loss and weight-maintenance (WM) periods. During the WM, subjects were randomized into higher- and lower-satiety food groups. No differences were observed in the changes in body weight, energy intake, or eating behaviour between the groups, even despite the different macronutrient compositions of the diets. However, when regarding all study subjects, success in WM was most strongly associated with a greater increase in the flexible control of eating and experience of greater easiness of WM and control of food intake and a greater decrease in uncontrollable eating and psychological distress. Psychobehavioural factors seem to be more strongly associated with successful weight management than the predetermined satiety effect or other characteristics of the diet.

Promoting lifelong physical activity and high level performance: realising an achievable aim for physical education

Background: Even though all school-aged children in most countries experience some form of curricular physical education many do not maintain a lifelong involvement in sport or physical activity. From a theoretical perspective, the development models that dominate sport are limited by their staged and linear approaches to development (e.g. Côté's Developmental Model of Sport Participation) and their focus on a ‘distinct’ pathway to elite sport. R.P. Bailey and colleagues in 2010 advocated a new approach to understanding development in sport that enables a lifelong flow between different, but interrelated, motives for participation in sport (e.g. Participation, Personal Excellence, Elite Excellence). It is suggested that a common set of skills facilitate participation for these related but distinct motives across the lifespan. However, we argue that many curricular models in PE do not equip individuals with the skills necessary to maintain their involvement in sport and progress back and forth between different types of activities. Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore the psycho-motor and psycho-behavioural factors that underpin prolonged engagement in sport and physical activity, against a consideration of the extent to which these factors are promoted within PE. Key findings: Offering an operationalisation of this purpose, the Developing the Potential of Young People in Sport (DPYPS) model was used as an illustration of a developmental and educationally-oriented framework that recognised the interrelated importance of developing key developmental skills, namely psychomotor and psycho-behavioural skills, in a PE context. Essentially the skills offered within the DPYPS program are those psychological and psychomotor fundamentals that underpin learning, development, and performance and act as the foundation of lifelong engagement in sport and physical activity.

Comparison of the repercussions of cLBP in four French-speaking countries

IntroductionSociocultural factors may influence the impact of chronic low back pain (cLBP) on patients. The goal of this study was to compare pain and disability levels, and psychobehavioural parameters in four French-speaking countries in patients with cLBP. MethodsTwo hundred and seventy-eight patients were included: 83 in France, 36 in Morocco, 75 in the Ivory Coast and 84 in Tunisia. Demographic data were collected; pain was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS), disability with the Quebec scale, psychobehavioural factors by the hospital anxiety depression scale (HAD), the fear and avoidance beliefs questionnaire (FABQ) and the coping strategy questionnaire (CSQ). A Student t-test was used to compare means. Anova (covariance) was used to test for a “Country Effect”, i.e. the incidence of country on outcomes. OutcomesThere was no difference in disability levels between countries. A “country effect” was found (p<0.001) for pain (F=2.707), anxiety (F=3.467), depression (F=5.137), fear and avoidance beliefs regarding professional activity (F=1.974) and physical activity (F=5.076), strategy of distraction, dramatization, efforts to ignore pain, prayer, seeking social support and reinterpretation (p<0.01). Pain level was higher in Morocco (p<0.05); anxiety, depression, fear and avoidance beliefs about physical activities were higher in Tunisia (p<0.05) and fear and avoidance beliefs about professional activities were higher in the Ivory Coast (p<0.01). Among the coping strategies used, distraction, dramatization, prayer and search for social support were used more in the Ivory Coast; reinterpretation in Tunisia; seeking social support was less common in France. ConclusionIn this population of patients with cLBP, despite similar disability levels across the four French-speaking countries, there were considerable variations in pain level and psychobehavioural repercussions.

Negotiating transitions in musical development: the role of psychological characteristics of developing excellence

The challenges of developing potential to achieve high-level performance in music are considerable. Furthermore, research is increasingly emphasizing the multidimensional and dynamic construction of talent, along with an awareness of the central role of psycho-behavioural factors in the realization of potential. Moreover, in order to achieve success, developing musicians must negotiate key transitions between stages of development. In order to investigate these various challenges, world-class musicians were purposefully sampled and interviewed about their development in music. Subsequently, key transitions within their career, as well as the skills and characteristics needed to negotiate these transitions, were identified. Results suggest that the ability to negotiate transitions between stages of development is mediated by the development and employment of a range of psychological characteristics of developing excellence (PCDEs). These PCDEs appear similar to those employed in other performance domains and support increasing empirical evidence of the development of psycho-behavioural characteristics as a core feature of talent development processes.

Myofascial temporomandibular disorder pain, parafunctions and psychological stress

Associations of evening and morning masticatory muscle pain and nocturnal electromyography (EMG) activity with psycho-behavioural factors and occlusal splint therapy were studied during a 20-week study-protocol. Over a period of almost 2 years, only eight of the 120 eligible patients were willing to enroll the study protocol. Further, four of the eight participants dropped out during the study, and approximately 20-30% of the nocturnal EMG recordings failed. Because of the impractical and unworkable nature of the protocol, the study was prematurely terminated and the results of the four remaining individuals are reported here as single-patient clinical trials. Univariate and multiple regression analyses revealed that in three of the four patients, changes in nocturnal EMG activity were associated with the period of splint therapy. However, no associations were found between the changes in nocturnal EMG activity and the observed changes in muscle pain. In two patients, the changes in muscle pain were associated with the period of splint therapy and with the changes in psychological stress. Within the limitations of single-patient clinical trials, it can be concluded that changes in chronic masticatory muscle pain seem to be more related to changes in psychological stress than to those in parafunctional activities.