Psychodynamic Research Articles

Resilience and risk management in cybersecurity: A grounded theory study of emotional, psychological, and organizational dynamics

This Grounded Theory examines the in-depth dynamics of cybersecurity professionals working in financial organizations regarding stress management, risk handling, communication challenges, and perceived benefits from work. This study conducted a grounded theory approach with cybersecurity professionals through in-depth interviews to comprehensively understand these dynamics. The findings identify critical themes about emotional and psychological resilience, effective risk management strategies, overcoming communication challenges, and recognizing organizational and personal benefits from robust cybersecurity practices. The current research highlights that for better well-being and performance of cybersecurity teams, extensive support systems, proactive risk management, and communication are very important and should be embedded within organizations. By utilizing the grounded theory, this study offers a nuanced exploration of the complex and entwined factors that impact daily operations and the overall effectiveness of cybersecurity professionals, offering valuable insights for improving organizational policies and creating a supportive work environment. These findings suggest, most importantly, that robust support systems, risk assessments, clear communication protocols, and training opportunities should be developed and operationalized in financial organizations to help professionals reduce stress at work and strengthen resilience factors. Not only does this research project cover significant gaps in the literature, but it also really helps financial organizations further improve their currently existing cybersecurity strategies to better support personnel by using this framework.

Intercultural Communication of Chinese Opera: A Review of Current Research, Challenges, and Future Directions

Chinese opera, an essential component of Chinese culture, is gaining global recognition for its cross-cultural communication. This study delves into its historical context, notable international cases, influences of media and technology, communication challenges, and strategic approaches, aiming to provide a coherent overview, identify challenges, and propose future research directions in the field. Challenges include narrow research scopes, insufficient empirical studies on communication outcomes in diverse cultural settings, and deficiencies in digital and innovative practices. Future research can propel digital communication advancements and delve into local community psychological dynamics, cultural identities, and cross-cultural educational initiatives concerning Chinese opera.

The genetic link between anxiety and libido: libido as an anxiety conversion

Psychoanalysis in the study of the human psyche considers all processes in the psychodynamic paradigm. The term "psychodynamics" first appeared in the works of Freud. From the information given by Freud deduces the definition: psychodynamics is the mutual influence of unconscious (id, BSZ) and conscious (ego) processes in which BSZ is of priority importance [14]. The psychodynamic approach made it possible to reveal the economic features of mental processes. Psychic economism describes how psychic energy is involved in the processes of production/reproduction, distribution, transition and qualitative and quantitative changes. When describing psychodynamics and the economy of Freud focused on libido as the only psychic energy that can be invested in an object in a direct and sublimated form, and manifest itself in models of attraction or conversion, in symptoms. However, the study of mental processes in patients with borderline personality organization of psychogenic etiology with the help of hypnopsychoanalysis allowed us to change the view of libido as the primary and central mental energy. According to the data of psychocorrective work, we came to the conclusion that anxiety is a pre-libidinal energy that is first experienced by a child at the moment of birth and in the process of ontogenesis is able to convert into libido. This leads to the conclusion that libido is the result of the conversion of anxiety, or, in other words, the reactive formation of anxiety. For the first time, an attempt to give anxiety a basal status was made by Karen Horney [20]. However, her work describes the phenomenological aspects of anxiety. We find a broad study of anxiety in a phenomenological way both in early authors, among whom R. May is particularly noted [8], and in modern ones [5], [3], [7]. In turn, the report examines the economic aspect of anxiety in the psychodynamic approach, its genetic relationship with libido, and the ability of anxiety to convert into libido. The research methodology is based on the following: - analysis of sources that highlight the problem of anxiety; - philosophical justification of the singular and plural; - data obtained as a result of psychocorrective work using psychodynamic hypnotherapy

First- and Second-Generation Psychological Theories of Suicidal Behaviour.

Suicidal behaviour is defined as taking actions with the intention of killing oneself and thinking of performing these actions. Suicide is a serious public health problem with complex biological, social and psychological risk factors and a multidimensional clinical appearance, occurring all over the world and ranking among the leading causes of death. In this study, psychological approaches explaining suicide were evaluated under the headings of first-generation and second-generation suicide theories, the different aspects of these theories were put forward, and previously published studies and recent evidence were reviewed. A literature review on the theoretical foundations of suicide is presented. First-generation suicide theories were developed before the 2000s and second-generation suicide theories were developed after the 2000s. While Psychodynamic Theory, Social Learning Theory, Hopelessness Theory, Shneidman's Suicide Theory and Escape Theory are included under the title of first-generation suicide theories, Interpersonal Psychological Suicide Theory, Three Stage Suicide Theory, Complementary Motivational-Demotivational Theory and Variable Predisposition Theory are examined as second-generation suicide theories. The approaches of the theories provide important evidence in understanding suicidal behaviour and recognising various risk factors in the transition from suicidal ideation to suicidal action. Controlling the risk factors may contribute both in terms of preventive community mental health and in the development of health policies.

Social GRRRAAACCCEEESSS in intercultural couple therapy: A semantic analysis

AbstractSocial GGRRAAACCEEESSS must be addressed by the therapist, as they can easily and unintentionally be missed. The present article is based on a qualitative analysis of two case examples to draw out extracts of conversations around such biases. The purpose of the article is to bridge the heuristic of the Social GGRRAAACCEEESSS with the concept of semantic polarities and to illustrate the complex positioning of the therapist in encounters with intercultural couples. Both a semantic analysis and a deductive thematic analysis approach was used to analyse extracts of material from two case studies. The findings are discussed adopting joint systemic and psychodynamic approaches. Social GGRRAAACCEEESSS can either remain unvoiced and marginalised or can be brought to the surface. The article addresses the importance of the therapist's role in highlighting marginalised discourses and managing unintentional alliances.

Reflection on the psychological suffering of elementary school teachers: the perspective of psychodynamics of work

Female elementary school teachers are suffering from psychic distress, as they experience various mental health problems due to the attributes of the profession and the accumulation of domestic activities. Objective: to reflect on the contributions of the Psychodynamics of Work to the psychological suffering of elementary school teachers. Methodology: theoretical reflection focusing on the convergences and specificities of Dejours' and Molinier's Psychodynamics of Work, and their contributions to the psychological suffering of female teachers. Results: Because they experience different experiences from men in the workplace, such as: an overload of activities, weaknesses in job and salary plans, school failure and demands with a high affective load, female teachers can suffer negative impacts on their mental health, leading to psychological distress. Conclusion: It is necessary to reflect on the condition of psychological distress among female teachers, taking into account the specificities of daily teaching, the socio-historical context and the adversities of women's work, motivating initiatives to create collective discussion spaces, support networks and public policies to minimize suffering and prevent future illnesses.

The Role of Islamic Religious Counselors in Providing Premarital Guidance at the Religious Affairs Office of Sultan Daulat District, Subulussalam City, Aceh Province

This study aims to analyze the implementation of premarital guidance at the Religious Affairs Office of Sultan Daulat District, the materials provided in premarital guidance at the Religious Affairs Office of Sultan Daulat District, and the SWOT analysis of premarital guidance at the Religious Affairs Office of Sultan Daulat District. The study used a nautical qualitative approach with data collection techniques in the form of observation, interviews and documentation studies. This study revealed several important findings regarding premarital guidance at the Religious Affairs Office of Sultan Daulat District. The implementation of this guidance follows the requirements for marriage registration in accordance with the latest regulations. Participants were very satisfied with the ease and flexibility of time provided during the guidance, which was arranged according to the agreement between the presenter and participants. Religious counselors showed responsibility and consistency in their duties, making positive contributions to the community by being active in discussions and question and answer sessions. The guidance material was delivered by two groups of presenters: Islamic religious counselors and representatives from the National Population and Family Planning Agency and health agencies. The material covered the management of psychology and family dynamics, reproductive health, and the foundations of a harmonious family. Religious counselors used an independent method in delivering their material. The SWOT analysis shows that religious counselors play a role in reducing the divorce rate in the area. They are also effective in reducing the spread of hoax news about premarital counseling. The guidance methods applied and the flexibility of implementation time help simplify the process and overcome the negative stigma that is often associated with premarital counseling at the Sultan Daulat Religious Affairs Office.

The Influence of Family Relationships on Adolescent Generalized Anxiety Disorder

This comprehensive review synthesizes a wide array of studies investigating the intricate relationship between family dynamics and adolescent Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) using a literature review approach. Briefly analyzed and summarized the relationship between Generalized Anxiety Disorder and theories such as social learning theory, psychodynamic theory, and Bronfenbrenners ecological systems theory. The consensus across numerous investigations suggests a substantial impact of family relationships on the prevalence and manifestation of GAD among adolescents. Notably, findings consistently underscore the significance of parent-adolescent interactions and the quality of inter-parental relationships in shaping adolescent anxiety levels. However, most studies employ cross-sectional designs, limiting the establishment of conclusive long-term causal links. Also, prevalent self-report evaluations for anxiety disorders among adolescents pose limitations, lacking comprehensive, objective assessments that may affect research outcomes. Addressing these limitations in future studies is critical to comprehensively elucidate the nuanced relationship between adolescent GAD and family dynamics.

Emotion Regulation, Relationship and Therapeutic Change in Analytical Psychology and Contemporary Psychodynamic Approaches.

All contemporary psychotherapies agree that (failing) emotion regulation is central to psychological disorders and that psychotherapy is about improving emotion regulation. In his research on the "emotion-laden" complex Jung put an emphasis on the role of failing emotion regulation in contributing to psychological disorders as well as to change in the process of psychotherapy, but he left this field of research and took a very different direction in favour of his archetype concept. Psychodynamic approaches generally argue that changes in emotion regulation are accomplished through corrective emotional experiences in the therapeutic relationship. Insights from affective neurosciences and attachment research have had a major influence on how the therapeutic relationship is constructed in contemporary psychodynamic approaches. There is a lack of similar developments in analytical psychology, which leads to substantial differences between the models of Jungian psychotherapy in contrast to other contemporary psychodynamic approaches. The implications of these differences for the practice of psychotherapy and especially the role of the therapeutic relationship are pointed out.

So hard to say goodbye? A study on the impact of anthropomorphism on the retention of idle products

Through five studies, we examined how anthropomorphic design influences consumer retention of idle products during the post-purchase disposal phase. We also explored the psychological dynamics underpinning this effect and assessed how different types of message appeal—altruistic versus egoistic—modulate these dynamics. Our findings demonstrate that consumers are more likely to retain idle products with anthropomorphic designs compared to their non-anthropomorphic counterparts, owing to the anticipated guilt associated with the disposal of products with human-like qualities. This guilt-driven retention is mitigated by altruistic message appeals but remains intact under egoistic appeals, which provides an idea for alleviating the negative impact of product anthropomorphism.

Understanding impulse buying in E-commerce: The Big Five traits perspective and moderating effect of time pressure and emotions

Impulsive buying behavior is crucial for understanding the psychological dynamics of consumer purchasing in the online marketplace. Identifying antecedents and moderating factors is vital to comprehensively understanding impulsive buying behavior. This research explores the influence of the Big Five personality traits on impulsive buying behavior in e-commerce settings and investigates the moderating effects of time pressure and emotions on these relationships. Data was collected through online questionnaires from 342 Indonesian participants with e-commerce purchasing experience. Structural Equation Modeling was utilized to validate the research hypotheses. The findings reveal that personality traits such as agreeableness, openness to experience, extroversion, and conscientiousness significantly drive impulsive buying behavior in e-commerce. Additionally, the study highlights that the interaction between emotions and neuroticism, as well as time pressure and agreeableness, significantly impacts impulsive buying behavior. The findings contribute valuable theoretical insights by demonstrating how specific Big Five personality traits influence impulsive buying behavior, while also providing practical implications for e-commerce platforms to effectively manage and leverage time pressure and emotional triggers to enhance consumer engagement and drive impulsive purchases.

Advancing a cultural–historical activity perspective in a psychodynamic-oriented psychotherapy training programme

South Africa cannot ignore the far-reaching influence of its colonial and apartheid history on the psychological functioning of its people. Psychotherapy as a fundamental psychological intervention approach cannot ignore its evolving history as the architect of the social psyche and of an individual’s psychological functioning. With regards to psychodynamic psychotherapy, the literature has lamented this therapeutic approach’s lack of consideration of the impact of the colonial and apartheid historical trauma on the prevailing sociocultural and mental health challenges. The crux of this article is to address this epistemological lacuna, by arguing for the integration of psychodynamic theory with cultural-historical activity theory (CHAT) for application in therapeutic processes. The article further posits that this integration needs to be introduced in training programmes for student psychotherapists who, as in the case of South Africa, are themselves the descendants of the generation that was exposed to historical trauma of colonialism and apartheid and are living with latent transgenerational trauma. To create a suitable foundation for the integration of psychodynamic theory and CHAT in psychotherapeutic practice, there is a need to apply critical pedagogical strategies in the training programmes of psychotherapists. Thus, this article further highlights the possibilities of employing critical pedagogical principles that incorporate ontological reflection, pedagogic discomfort, troubled knowledges, mutual vulnerability, strategic empathy, and compassion.

Psychological Dynamics of Domestic Violence Victims: A Qualitative Study

This study aims to understand the psychological dynamics experienced by victims of domestic violence through a qualitative approach. By focusing on the subjective experiences of victims, this study explores how domestic violence affects the mental and emotional state of victims, as well as the coping strategies they use to survive. Data were obtained through in-depth interviews with a number of victims of domestic violence, which were then thematically analysed to identify common psychological patterns. The results showed that victims of domestic violence experience various forms of psychological trauma, including fear, depression, anxiety, and a sense of worthlessness. In addition, many victims also experience internal conflict between the desire to leave a harmful relationship and a sense of emotional or economic dependence on the perpetrator. The coping strategies used by victims vary, ranging from seeking social support to using defensive mechanisms such as denial and avoidance. This study highlights the complexity of the psychological experiences of victims of domestic violence and the need for intervention approaches that are more holistic and sensitive to the psychological needs of victims. The results of this study are expected to contribute to the development of more effective policies and services in supporting the recovery of victims of domestic violence.

Structurally informed psychodynamic theory case conceptualization: Expanding the conceptualization map.

There is a rich history of psychological movements that call upon the field to collaborate with clients to both acknowledge and resist oppression, as well as an increasing emphasis in professional guidelines on conceptualizing clients with attention to the role of the social and physical environment, to contemporary experience with power, privilege, and oppression, and to institutional barriers and related disparities. These calls indicate the need for psychological case conceptualization to move beyond preconceived assessments of which aspects of clients' identities are salient to them, to engage with clients' sociocultural identities as situated within systems of power and oppression, and to engage in advocacy to improve clients' socioenvironmental contexts and to challenge structural oppression. In this article, we attend to the foundational contributions of Black psychology, intersectionality, liberation psychology, Indigenous healing, and radical healing for using case conceptualization to guide structurally responsive and impactful treatment and advocacy. We then present a case example drawn from a composite of clinical encounters that captures client distress interwoven with structural forces such as addiction stigma, intersecting classism and sexism, White privilege, and caregiver leave policies. To demonstrate how to integrate structural forces with theory, we present how this case would be conceptualized utilizing psychodynamic frameworks infused with attention to the ways in which structural forces shape and perpetuate the client's distress. To move from naming to integrating structural competency in case conceptualization, psychotherapy training must address how structural forces shape how client distress develops and is maintained and necessitates advocacy outside of the session. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Socioeconomic, Psychological, and Informational Dynamics in Shaping American Public Opinion Perceptions on Climate Change.

Climate change remains one of the most pressing challenges of the 21st century, invoking a wide spectrum of public opinions and attitudes. In the United States, sociopolitical, economic, and educational factors influence the public's perception of climate change and its science. This study examines the complexities of American public opinion on climate change by analyzing the relationship between various socio-demographic variables and three specific perceptions: belief in the occurrence of climate change, support for a carbon tax, and the convincingness of climate science. Utilizing logistic and linear regression models on survey data, this study identifies significant predictors for each climate change perception metric. The results indicate that political party affiliation, particularly Republican identification, is inversely related to the belief in climate change and the persuasiveness of climate science. Conversely, educational attainment correlates positively with the belief in climate change and support for carbon taxation, suggesting that higher education levels foster greater acceptance and proactive attitudes towards climate policy. Gender analysis revealed that males are less inclined to find climate science convincing, highlighting the need for gender-sensitive communication strategies. Interestingly, regional factors showed negligible influence on climate change perceptions, challenging common assumptions about geographical determinants. This study contributes to the discourse on environmental policy and public engagement by delineating the demographic contours of climate change belief systems in the U.S., offering insights for targeted educational and communication strategies to bridge the ideological divide and enhance public consensus for climate action.

The effect of players' ability to resist monsters on immersion and fear in survival horror games

Horror survival games, as a crucial segment of the video game industry, are highly regrded for their ability to evoke excitement, suspense and the challenge of overcoming obstacles and fears through wit and skill. This study delves into the impact of players' ability to confront monsters in horror survival games on their level of immersion and fear, and how these two psychological states mutually enhance the gaming experience. This research applies Python for natural language processing analyses, including sentiment analysis, keyword frequency analysis, Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) topic modeling, and K-Means clustering to uncover the main trends in player feedback, which is based on 5,000 user comments scraped from the Steam platform on two famous horror games, "Resident Evil 7" and "Outlast 2." Additionally, data on players' personal experiences of fear and immersion in the games are collected through surveys. The results show that the sensation of fear and successfully confronting monsters significantly enhances players' immersion of being completely engaged in the game, highlighting the importance of balancing challenge and player's ability to make choices in game design. This study provides valuable insights into understanding the psychological dynamics of players in horror survival games, guiding game designers and developers on how to create more engaging and satisfying gaming experiences that meet players' requirements.

From Dorm to Podium: The Role of Engagement and Psychological Dynamics in Shaping Sports Performance Satisfaction in Boarding Schools

From Dorm to Podium: The Role of Engagement and Psychological Dynamics in Shaping Sports Performance Satisfaction in Boarding Schools

Beyond the symptoms: Exploring attachment styles and reality-testing among schizophrenia clients from a nursing perspective.

INTRODUCTION: Insecure attachment styles are associated with mental health problems and may influence reality perception. This study investigated the link between attachment styles and reality-testing impairment in individuals with schizophrenia. A cross-sectional survey with 200 participants diagnosed with schizophrenia assessed their attachment styles (Psychosis Attachment Measure) and reality-testing abilities (Bell Reality Testing Inventory). A significant positive correlation emerged between insecure attachment and poorer reality testing (r = .394, p < .001). Avoidant attachment was most prevalent (mean scores: 17.01, SD = 3.71), followed by anxious attachment (16.53, SD = 4.20). Reality-testing impairment manifested across all three domains: uncertainty of perception (7.16, SD = 2.45), reality distortion (3.52, SD = 1.21), and hallucinations/delusions (26.63, SD = 5.83). Interestingly, specific demographics (male, unmarried, 40-50 years old) and those with a duration of illness of less than 5 years had higher mean scores (27.35, SD = 5.61). Insecure attachment styles, notably anxious and avoidant, are dominant among clients with schizophrenia, who also struggle with reality distortion, perceptual uncertainty, and hallucinations/delusions in all three domains. Healthcare providers and nurses should understand the psychological dynamics of clients with insecure attachment styles to establish effective therapeutic relationships. A secure, structured, and consistent environment is vital to modifying insecure attachment styles and promoting reality orientation. Secure Attachment Style Oriented Psycho-Educational Program, Mentalization, Cognitive Interpersonal Therapy, and Cognitive Analytic Therapy can help reduce reality-testing impairment. Fostering Maternal and Child Health (MCH) centers on empathizing secure bonds between mothers (and mothers-to-be) and their children to promote healthy attachment styles as a preventive measure.

Use of Countertransference to Advance Therapeutic Efficacy.

Countertransference is a basic tenet of psychodynamic theory. Although it was initially considered an unwelcome phenomenon in psychiatry, attitudes have shifted, and many mental health professionals now consider it to be a useful therapeutic tool. In this article, the author discusses countertransference as defined by the International Psychoanalytical Association's Inter-Regional Encyclopedic Dictionary of Psychoanalysis (IRED) and examines its clinical impact by using constructed vignettes of psychodynamic psychotherapies to illustrate theoretical points. As IRED delineates, countertransferences may exist at the conscious or unconscious level. In addition, the author suggests that countertransference may also exist at the preconscious level. Clinicians' examination of all levels of countertransference has the potential to be revelatory and facilitate therapeutic action, whereas unexamined countertransference can interfere with effective treatment. For this reason, self-reflection on the part of psychiatrists is essential.

Self-Stigma, Experiences and Psychological Conditions of Mothers Having Children with Malnutrition-Stunting: Literature Review

Introduction: The problem of malnutrition and stunting is a trending global health problem that has a major impact on children's physical growth and cognitive development. The condition of the mother's mental and psychological well-being is an important substance that influences the mother's care in caring for stunted malnourished children. The mother's mental and psychological condition is related to the mother's self-acceptance. The mother's psychological dynamics are shown in the form of emotions such as anger, feeling offended, feeling embarrassed, and triggering stress because the mother is full of negative thoughts. The findings from this literature review explain the existence of unpleasant experiences while mothers care for their children. This unpleasant experience generally takes the form of words from health workers and questions from other people regarding their child's condition. Psychological and behavioral changes in mothers arise as a result of public stigma about stunted children which is seen as an indication of a lack of parental care, such as providing poor food which can risk lowering self-esteem and prevent mothers from accessing health services. Objective: This study aims to investigate in depth about the extent of the impact of self-stigma about having children with malnutrition or stunting on the psychological conditions that occur in mothers who have children with malnutrition or stunting. Method: This research uses a qualitative approach through a literature review method based on the PRISMA guide. Result: Based on several previous studies, negative community stigma regarding malnourished and stunted children has a significant impact on the psychological state of mothers. This is motivated by an unpleasant experience. There are several themes in the articles that have been reviewed. It was found that self-stigma is recognized by the perception of guilt, the concept of stigma is identified as the shame of having a child with nutritional deficiencies-stunting because they often get questions from others regarding their child's condition. The second theme is about the various psychological changes experienced by mothers. The third theme of self-stigma experienced by mothers significantly affect their behavior, often resulting in reluctance to seek health services for their children. Conclusion: The study cloncludes that self-stigma has a detrimental effect on the psychological conditions of mothers, leading to reduce health-seeking behavior and exacerbating the health issues of malnourished and stunted children. The findings underscore the need for interventions that address stigma, provide emotional support, and promote positive community attitudes towards malnutrition and stunting. It is necessary for health workers and cadres to convey information about stunting by conveying it in a kind and non-accusatory manner, and maintaining confidentiality about the child's condition by not being conveyed in public openly. In addition, to support mothers emotionally, it is necessary for health workers to develop education related to psychoeducation, counseling, promotion, emotional support, and home visits for mothers who are indicated to be absent from health services.